passant

adjective

pas·​sant ˈpa-sᵊnt How to pronounce passant (audio)
: walking with the farther forepaw raised
used of a heraldic animal

Word History

Etymology

Middle English passaunt, from Anglo-French passant, from present participle of passer to pass

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of passant was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near passant

Cite this Entry

“Passant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passant. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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