I encourage anyone to research their own family coat of arms. You will sometimes be surprised by the meaning; to show you what I am saying here is my coat of arms and a description of the meaning behind it:

The Carmichael Clan badge and motto is taken from the exploits of Sir John de Carmichael of Meadowflat (later Carmichael) who became the first Chief of the clan. John was the son of William, 2nd Baron of Carmichael, who built the first castle on the estate around 1414. During the 100 Years war between France and Britain, John was a Scottish Knight and was sent to France to fight their common enemy (England). The French had not won any battles until March 22, 1421 when at the Battle of Bauge John de Carmichael engaged the Duke of Clarence, brother of King Henry IV and knocked him off of his horse. The impact broke John’s spear and The Duke of Clarence was killed. The English fled seeing their commander killed. This was a stunning upset victory for the Scots and French. For his deed John was awarded the family crest featuring a broken spear grasped by an armor clad hand. The family motto is “Tout Jour Prest (Too Shore Pray) ancient French for “Always Ready.” Sir John was knighted by the Scottish King. In 1426 he was appointed Bishop of Orleans during the rise of Joan of Arc.