In my defens God me defend

[1][2] Contemporary versions of the royal arms show an abbreviated motto, in the form of in defens or, where English is used as an alternative, in defence.

[4][5] Adopted during the reign of the Stewart dynasty, and certainly in use by the reign of James IV (1488–1513),[6] In my defens God me defend was originally the only motto associated with Scotland's royal arms,[7] with versions appearing in both truncated and abbreviated forms;[8] In my defens, for example, having been adopted for the royal arms of James IV.

[10]Also, in the form of a couplet: In my defense God me defend and bring my saulle to ane guid end O Lord.

[11] Another variation of the phrase, appearing as Be my defens God me defend forever more, is to be found engraved upon a number of traditional Ballock knives, with one particular example (dated 1624) now forming part of the Arms and Armour collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

[13] The motto of the Order of the Thistle, Nemo me impune lacessit, appears on a blue scroll overlying the compartment.