Medieval Glossary

Rampant

In heraldry, a term originating the French word that literally means "raging." This is an epithet applied to a lion or other beast of prey when placed erect on the two hind legs, with only one of the fore legs elevated and the head in profile. When the face is turned toward the spectator, the attitude is called 'rampant gardant,' and when the head is turned backwards, 'rampant regardant.' A lion 'counter-rampant' is one rampant towards the sinister, instead of towards the dexter, the usual attitude. Two lions rampant contrariwise in saltire are sometimes also said to be 'counter-rampant.'

Related term(s): Heraldry; Rampant Gardant; Rampant Regardant; Counter-rampant; Charge (Heraldry); Escutcheon
Category: Heraldry
Added: 07.04.06
Source information: Wilhelm, Thomas. A Military Dictionary and Gazetteer. Philadelphia: L.R. Hamersly & Co., 1881. 473.

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