reˈspectant, a. rare.
[-ant.]
1. Her. Of animals: Facing each other.
| 1688 Holme Armoury ii. xix. 470/2 He beareth Argent, two Snakes in Salter respectant. c 1828 Berry Encycl. Her. I. s.v., Respectant, in triangle. Three birds, or other animals, with their beaks, or heads, meeting in triangle. 1847 Gloss. Heraldry 267 Respectant, or Respecting each other: terms used in describing two animals face to face. Rampant beasts of prey so borne, are said to be combatant. |
2. Looking backward.
| 1830 Tennyson Poems 99 Three shadows, fronting one, One forward, one respectant, three but one. |