couchant

[ kou-chuhnt ]

adjective

1. lying down; crouching.
2. Heraldry. (of an animal) represented as lying on its stomach with its hind legs and forelegs pointed forward.

couchant

/ ˈkaʊtʃənt /

adjective

1. usually postpositive heraldry in a lying position

   a lion couchant

Word History and Origins

Origin of couchant¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Middle French, present participle of coucher to lay or lie. See couch, -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of couchant¹

C15: from French: lying, from Old French coucher to lay down; see couch

Example Sentences

It has his effigy in armour, with an ermined mantle, his feet leaning against a lion couchant.

From Project Gutenberg

They saw the great cathedral lying couchant above the plain.

From Project Gutenberg

They are weak sops to our tame lion couchant offered in doubtful fear and trembling.

From Project Gutenberg

The two huge couchant lions at either end of the steps are of much later date than these.

From Project Gutenberg

Occasionally, as in the crest of Marwood, the ram will be found couchant.

From Project Gutenberg