rebus

n.; pl. Rebuses [ L. rebus by things, abl. pl. of res a thing: cf. F. rébus. Cf. 3d Real. ] 1. A mode of expressing words and phrases by pictures of objects whose names resemble those words, or the syllables of which they are composed; enigmatical representation of words by figures; hence, a peculiar form of riddle made up of such representations. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ A gallant, in love with a woman named Rose Hill, had, embroidered on his gown, a rose, a hill, an eye, a loaf, and a well, signifying, Rose Hill I love well. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Her.) A pictorial suggestion on a coat of arms of the name of the person to whom it belongs. See Canting arms, under Canting. [ 1913 Webster ]