Heraldry. Of an animal: looking backwards over the shoulder. Also: (in early use) = guardant, adj. 2. Chiefly used postpositively.

Of two emblems: facing back to back on a shield; (of a shield) characterized by such a design. Frequently as postmodifier.

Heraldry. Of a beast: Having the full face towards the spectator. (Cf. affrontee, n. and gaze, n. 3b) Also figurative.

Heraldry. Depicted pointing or turned in a direction contrary to that which is typical or expected; esp. (of the wings of a bird) depicted with…

(See quot. 1688.)

Of an eagle: depicted almost fully turned away, with the back and part of the flank visible. Cf. three-quartered adj. at three-quarter, n. adj.adv.…

Of an animal (esp. one of a pair): facing another animal.

(See quot. 1688.)

= addorsed, adj.

Originally Heraldry. Of two figures in a design: facing each other. Cf. affronted, adj. 3, confronté, adj. Now rare.

Heraldry. Of a figure: facing the viewer; showing the full face.

= regardant, adj. 2.

(See quot. 1825 –7)

†(a) made in three sections (obsolete); (b) Heraldry of an animal as a bearing: turned so as to be nearly affronté, but showing a part of the flank.