In heraldry, describing an animal that is shown fallen or prostrate, lying flat on the ground rather than standing; in general use, means downcast or dispirited.
French word meaning 'beaten down' or 'cast down,' from 'abattre.' Borrowed into English heraldic terminology from French, where it described the position of animals in coat-of-arms designs.
Medieval heralds needed precise language to describe exactly how animals should appear on shields and banners—abattu meant 'show this lion as defeated and lying down' rather than the proud rampant pose, which had specific meaning about status and shame.
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