bar sinister

• Terme héraldique désignant une bande diagonale sur un blason indiquant une naissance illégitime ; au sens figuré, une tache sur l'origine ou la réputation.

A heraldic term referring to a diagonal line on a coat of arms indicating illegitimacy or bastardy; figuratively, it denotes a stain on one's lineage or reputation.

1. Heraldic termC2formalbritish

   A heraldic symbol indicating illegitimacy or a bar sinister (a diagonal line from the top left to bottom right on a coat of arms).

   Barre de bâtardise

   • The family crest featured a bar sinister, marking the illegitimate line.
   • In heraldry, a bar sinister is a mark of bastardy.
   • The knight's shield bore a bar sinister, revealing his noble but illegitimate birth.

2. Figurative meaningC2formal

   A mark or sign of disgrace, dishonor, or illegitimacy.

   barre sinistre

   • The scandal left a bar sinister on his reputation.
   • In some societies, being born out of wedlock carries a bar sinister.
   • The politician's past actions placed a bar sinister on his career.