guardant

1 9.9

An animal drawn from the side with its head turned to look at the viewer

adjective
/ˈɡɑrdənt/

Specialized

: guardante

The heraldic term 'leopard guardant' describes a walking lion whose head faces the viewer.

Examples

In heraldry, a guardant animal shows its head facing forward.
On the family crest, a lion guardant stands out, staring straight ahead.
The shield features three wolves guardant, each gazing forward with watchful eyes.
The lion is depicted as guardant on the royal crest.
On the family crest, a lion guardant stands out, staring straight ahead.
The shield features three wolves guardant, each gazing forward with watchful eyes.
In heraldry, a guardant lion is depicted with its head facing the viewer.

Synonyms

gardant

vsguardant

Archaic

9.9

An animal drawn with its head facing you

has identical meaning but is an alternative spelling

Surface Forms

guardant positive

Etymology

Guardant comes from the same word as guard and guardian, from an old French word meaning 'to watch' or 'protect'. In heraldry it describes an animal whose head faces the viewer, so think of it as the animal 'keeping guard' and watching you.