the name derives from its shape, which resembles a millrind, the iron clamp of the upper millstone, "moline" being the old french for a mill. it is very similar to one of the varieties of the "fer de moline" heraldic charge (literal french: "iron of a mill"), the forked tips of which, however, circle out slightly more, akin to the "cross recercelee". it is borne both inverted and rebated, and sometimes "saltirewise" (i.e. in the form of a saltire).