Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Subordinary \Sub*or"di*na*ry\, n. (Her.)
   One of several heraldic bearings somewhat less common than an
   ordinary. See {Ordinary}.

   Note: Different writers name different bearings as
         subordinaries, but the bar, bend, sinister, pile,
         inescutcheon bordure, gyron, and quarter, are always
         considered subordinaries by those who do not class them
         as ordinaries.