COUNTERPASSANT Meaning and
Definition
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Counterpassant is an adjective used to describe the heraldic term for an animal's posture in a coat of arms. Specifically, it refers to the position of two animals of the same species or different species facing in opposite directions, with one animal's hind leg raised and resting on the other animal's foreleg. This particular posture gives the appearance of the animals passing each other while moving forward. The term originated from the combination of the word 'counter,' indicating opposing or contrary, and 'passant,' which means walking or moving forward.
In heraldry, counterpassant is commonly used to depict various animals such as lions, deer, or horses. It is often represented by the animals being positioned horizontally across the shield, with their heads facing inwards, and their legs overlapped in an alternating manner. This posture conveys a sense of movement and liveliness in the coat of arms, symbolizing dynamism and progress.
The counterpassant position is a heraldic convention employed to differentiate between various branches or members of a family or clan. By using animals in this posture, individuals or groups can emphasize their unique identity within a larger lineage. This imagery can also convey particular traits or virtues associated with the depicted animal, such as strength, swiftness, or courage, which reflects the desired qualities or aspirations of the individual or family being represented.
Common Misspellings for COUNTERPASSANT
- xounterpassant
- vounterpassant
- founterpassant
- dounterpassant
- ciunterpassant
- ckunterpassant
- clunterpassant
- cpunterpassant
- c0unterpassant
- c9unterpassant
- coynterpassant
- cohnterpassant
- cojnterpassant
- cointerpassant
- co8nterpassant
- co7nterpassant
- coubterpassant
- coumterpassant
- coujterpassant
- couhterpassant
Etymology of COUNTERPASSANT
The word "counterpassant" is derived from a combination of the prefix "counter-" and the French word "passant".
The prefix "counter-" typically means "opposite" or "against", implying a reversal or opposition to something. In this context, it indicates a direction or movement that is contrary to or opposite of the usual "passant" position.
"Passant", derived from the French verb "passer" meaning "to pass", is a term used in heraldry to describe an animal depicted as walking or leaping with one foreleg raised. It represents motion and liveliness.
Therefore, "counterpassant" combines these elements to convey an animal in heraldry shown in a walking or leaping position but with one foreleg raised and moving in the opposite or reversed direction.
