In heraldry the term mullet or molet refers to a charge or a difference in the conventional shape of a star - by default one with five points (compare pentagram). Variants include the mullet of six points (compare star of David) and the mullet of eight points (compare octagram). Under the English cadency system third sons bear the mullet as a difference.
The mullet is called a star in Scottish heraldry. It is to be distinguished from the wavy-rayed estoile.
Thus, the study of heraldry covers the origin, development, and significance of coats of arms and the official regulation of their use by individuals, families, political units, and social organizations.
Heraldry itself dates from the beginning of the 12th century, when coats of arms began to appear and were adopted rapidly throughout Western Europe.
For example, the symbol of the first son is a label (a narrow strip with three pendants); that of the second, a crescent; that of the third, a mullet (five-pointed star); and that of the fourth, a martlet (mythical bird).
Although the word Heraldry properly belongs to all the business of the herald, it has long attached itself to that which in earlier times was known as armory, the science of armorial bearings.
The older writers on heraldry, lacking exact archaeology, were wont to carry back the beginnings to the dark ages, even if they lacked the assurance of those who distributed blazons among the angelic host before the Creation.
But in spite of the jealousy with which official heraldry hedges about the display of these supporters once assumed so freely, a few old English families still assert their right by hereditary prescription to use these ornaments as their forefathers were wont to use them.
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