a. Her. [Fr.; pa. pple. of contourner to turn about: cf. CONTORNO.] Turned about, i.e., towards the sinister or left.
1727–51. Chambers, Cycl., Contourne, in heraldry, is used when beasts are represented standing, or running, with their faces to the sinister-side of the escutcheon.
1864. Boutell, Heraldry Hist. & Pop., xiv. § 1 (ed. 3), 160. A lion rampant, contourné.
1868. Cussans, Her., xx. 260. All Charges (except those intended to be contourné).
