semé ( semeé, semis )
An heraldic term indicating a form of decoration
consisting of a scattered (sown) pattern of
diminutive figures—flowers, leaves, sprays,
etc., often repeated at regular intervals by means
of one, two, or three small tools, resulting in a
sort of powdered effect. Sometimes a coat of arms,
or other vignette, is added in the center of the
cover, or at the corners. There may also be a
tooled fillet around the edges of the cover. Early
examples of this style date from 1560 on books
bound for Charles IX of France. (81 , 156 )
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