- The Governor General of Canada
The contents of this Register are intended for research purposes only. The heraldic emblems found in the Register may not be reproduced in any form or in any media without the written consent of the Canadian Heraldic Authority and/or the recipient.
James McGill
Montréal, Quebec
Registration of Arms
December 15, 2020
Vol. VII, p. 309
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Blazon
Arms
Argent three martlets, on a chief dancetty Gules a crescent Ermine between two ancient crowns Argent;
Crest
A martlet supporting an open book palewise in profile proper bound and edged Gules;
Motto
IN DOMINO CONFIDAM;
Symbolism
Arms
The Canadian Heraldic Authority does not have confirmed symbolism for this emblem. The following comments are hypotheses only. The three martlets and the combination of red and white are often found in Scottish McGill coats of arms. The crescent possibly alludes to a gorget, which Mr. McGill would have worn as part of the uniform of a senior officer in the Montréal Militia. The ermine refers to his occupation as a fur trader. The crowns and indented line might allude to Mount Royal, the location of McGill University, of which Mr. McGill was the benefactor.
Crest
The martlet alludes to those in the Arms, and the book indicates that Mr. McGill endowed a university.
Motto
This Latin phrase means “I will put my trust in the Lord.” It is a variation of the phrase In Domino confido, used by other McGill armigers and by McGill University.