What does brown mean in heraldry?

Question:

What does brown mean in heraldry?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Brown, in heraldry? I don't think there is any. Tis neither a metal nor color (tincture).

Colors:
Sable (black)
Azure (blue)
Purpure (purple)
Vert (green)
Gules (red)

Metals:
Argent (silver, white or grey)
Or (yellow or gold)

Somewhere I've run across a word I may not recall correctly, something like tawny / tenne but I don't know that it's correct in heraldry. Ohhh wait yes I do, some colors found in nature (animals) are sometimes used in the CHARGE. "A charge is any object or figure placed on a heraldic shield or on any other object of an armorial composition."

Here's what the link says about that:

"Heraldic charges can also be displayed in their natural colors. Many natural items such as plants and animals are described as proper in this case. Proper charges are very frequent as crests and supporters. Overuse of the tincture "proper" is viewed as decadent or bad practice."

Therefore "proper" refers to a natural color and in heraldry is assumed to be recognized, but not otherwise described.

Those pompous 'family coats of arms' things aren't real heraldry, they're to sell stuff.