Legal Definitions - levant and couchant

Definition: Levant and couchant are legal terms used to describe the position of animals in heraldry. Levant refers to an animal standing on its hind legs with its front legs raised, while couchant refers to an animal lying down with its head up and alert.

Examples: A common example of an animal depicted in a levant position is a deer, while a lion is often shown in a couchant position. These positions are often used in coats of arms or other heraldic designs to represent certain qualities or characteristics associated with the animal. For example, a lion in a couchant position may represent strength and vigilance, while a deer in a levant position may represent grace and agility.