Grassant

/ɡræˈsænt/ adjective

Definition

In heraldry, describing an animal depicted in a leaping or springing position, sometimes written as 'grassant' or 'passant.'

Etymology

From Old French 'grassant' (springing, leaping); related to 'grass' meaning to leap; specialized heraldic terminology.

Kelly Says

Heraldry preserved medieval French vocabulary in frozen form—words like 'grassant' show how technical languages in art and science can keep ancient words alive like specimens in amber.

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