The term 'lion couchant' is formed of two words: lion and couchant. The first word lion has a Semitic origin. It was adapted by the Greek as 'leon'. The Latin adapted it as leo. Later, it was modified by the Old French and then by the Middle English. The second word couchant hasLeo its origin in Old French. The word was obtained from the present participle of the verb 'couchier'. The verb 'Couchier' means 'to lie down'. Later, it was adapted by Middle English. Couchant is generally used as an adjective and means 'lying down with raised head'.
The position of lying down in such a position resembles a lion or any other beast that is lying flat on its stomach. Thus, lion couchant indicates a position that resembles a lion that is seen sleeping or lying down. When someone lies down on his stomach with raised head, he is said to be lying in a lion couchant.
The position of lying down in such a position resembles a lion or any other beast that is lying flat on its stomach. Thus, lion couchant indicates a position that resembles a lion that is seen sleeping or lying down. When someone lies down on his stomach with raised head, he is said to be lying in a lion couchant.
