In heraldry, an augmentation is a modification or addition to a coat of arms, typically given by a monarch as either a mere mark of favour, or a reward or recognition for some meritorious act. It is important to note that the grants of entire new coats by monarchs as a reward are not augmentations, and (in theory) an augmentation mistakenly given to someone who did not have a right to a coat would be nugatory. Heraldry is the science and art of describing coats-of-arms, also referred to as achievements or armorial bearings. ... A monarch is a type of ruler or head of state. ...