de·bruise \də̇ˈbrüz, dēˈ-\transitive verb Etymology: Middle English debrusen to break to pieces, from Old French debruisier, from de- + bruisier to break — more at bruise 1.of a heraldic ordinary: to cross or partly cover (a coat of arms or charge) as if laid over 2.of a person: to assume or use a heraldic ordinary that crosses or partly covers (a coat of arms or a charge)