Emmet (heraldry)  The emmet, also called the pismire, is an heraldic charge in European heraldry, particularly in English and German heraldry, representing historic names for the ant. The emmet might be understood as a symbol of hard work and of wisdom, although symbolism in heraldry always has to be approached with skepticism, as the arms might be canting, or the symbolism might not apply in a particular case. In his "A Display of Heraldrie" (1610), John Guillim of the English College of Arms says:   The emmet is often shown as "tergiant", or with his back to the viewer, as seen from above.