In heraldry, describing animals or figures facing opposite directions or in opposite poses on a shield.
From counter- (opposite) + passant (from Old French passant, 'passing' or 'walking'). Heraldic term combining counter- with the directional term passant to show reversed movement.
Counterpassant lions on a shield symbolized internal tension or duality—two forces in opposition—which medieval heralds used to represent families in conflict with themselves or in complex political alliances.
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