a. [ F., p. pr. of coucher. See Couch, v. t. ] 1. Lying down with head erect; squatting. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Her.) Lying down with the head raised, which distinguishes the posture of couchant from that of dormant, or sleeping; -- said of a lion or other beast. [ 1913 Webster ]
Couchant and levant (Law), rising up and lying down; -- said of beasts, and indicating that they have been long enough on land, not belonging to their owner, to lie down and rise up to feed, -- such time being held to include a day and night at the least. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ]