Hauriant is a rarely used term in heraldry that refers to an animal depicted standing on its hind legs with its front paws raised in a menacing posture. The spelling of the word is pronounced [hawr-ee-uhnt], with the first syllable pronounced to rhyme with "saw" and the second syllable pronounced "ee." The "h" is not silent, and the emphasis is on the second syllable. While uncommon in everyday use, the correct spelling and pronunciation of hauriant is important in the world of heraldry.
"Hauriant" is an adjective that describes an animal or an object in heraldry with its head raised up and its mouth open as if it were drinking from water. The term is derived from the Latin word "haurire" which means "to drink" or "to drain." In heraldry, it is used to depict animals like fish, dolphins, or birds, often in profile view, with the head elevated and the mouth gaping wide open.
The posture of being hauriant in heraldry symbolizes vitality, energy, and eagerness. It represents the inherent nature of the creature to be constantly seeking sustenance or knowledge. The open mouth indicates the desire and readiness to receive or consume.
The term "hauriant" is primarily used in the field of heraldry to describe specific heraldic creatures such as fish or birds, but it can also be used more broadly to describe any animal or object displaying a similar posture or gesture, regardless of its appearance or origin. Outside the context of heraldry, the term may not be commonly understood or used.
Overall, "hauriant" conveys the visual representation of an animal or object in an active and consuming state.
The word "hauriant" is derived from the French word "haurir", which means "to drink" or "to quaff". It ultimately comes from the Latin word "haurire", which has a similar meaning. In heraldry, "hauriant" describes a fish rising vertically in the water and is often used to depict fish in coats of arms or crests.