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Glite Dictionary
👶 Raising children 🐎 Standing upright
rearing

rearing

9.9
Standing on the hind legs with front legs raised like a horse or lion
  • adjective
  • /ˈrɪrɪŋ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : rampante
  • The family crest displays a rearing lion with its paw ready to strike.

Examples

  • The statue portrays a horse rearing, reminiscent of classic heraldic images.

  • The rearing horse on the coat of arms symbolizes strength.

  • In heraldry, a rearing unicorn often symbolizes purity and bravery.

  • In heraldry, a rearing lion is often used to represent bravery.

  • In heraldry, a rearing lion is depicted with its front legs in the air, symbolizing courage and strength.

  • The family shield features a rearing stallion, showcasing its power and nobility.

  • In a traditional coat of arms, a rearing griffin often represents vigilance and bravery.

Synonyms

rampant
vsrearing
  • Specialized
1 9.9

Standing on one back leg with front legs raised, shown on coats of arms

specifies the left hind leg rather than any hind leg

Surface Forms

rearing positive

Morphology

rearing = rear (transparent) = rear + ing

Regular participial adjective formed from the verb 'rear' with a meaning directly related to the verb sense 'to rise on the hind legs'; the heraldic usage is specialized but predictable from the verb.

Etymology

Rearing for an animal standing on its hind legs comes from the same verb rear meaning 'to lift up' or 'to raise', so a 'rearing' horse or lion is one that lifts its front body and stands up on its back legs.