rebus

1. (linguistics) A pictographic component of a compound character (e.g. sinograph) used to hint at the pronunciation of the compound.

2. (specifically, heraldry) An arrangement of pictures on a coat of arms which suggests the name of the person to whom it belongs.Examples: "The prior [Will Bolton] used to come out here to hunt in summer and recreate himself, and his rebus—a barrel or tun shot through with a crossbow bolt—is set into the garden walls."specifically

3. (crosswording) A type of crossword puzzle in which some squares contain entire words, or symbols representing words, instead of single letters.Examples: "Instead of spelling out card suits, for example, perhaps the constructor inserted a "rebus," or picture icon for clubs, hearts, spades, or diamonds in one answer box."; "Rebuses are a vital part of cryptic crosswords and even themed standard crossword puzzles, as modernized under the leadership of Will Shortz at The New York Times, make use of rebuses."; "In the cruciverse, a rebus refers to a crossword that violates the basic "one letter per box" rule, requiring the entry of multiple letters - or even a number or symbol - into a single square"