Law. [a. F. levant, pr. pple. of lever to raise, refl. to rise.] Only in phrase Levant and couchant (= med.L. levans et cubans, in continental as well as Eng. use): lit. ‘rising up and lying down’; said of cattle. (For the specific interpretation see quot. 1768.)
1594. West, 2nd Pt. Symbol., Chancerie § 100. To have common of pasture for their beasts and cattel upon the said lands levant and cowchant at all times of the yeare.
1768. Blackstone, Comm., III. 9. If the lands were not sufficiently fenced so as to keep out cattle, the landlord cannot distrein them, till they have been levant and couchant (levantes et cubantes) on the land; that is, have been long enough there to have laid down and rose up to feed; which in general is held to be one night at least.
1864. Brumby Enclosure Application, 38. Right of common which may be exercised in all times of the year for cattle levant and couchant.
1872. Law Rep., 7 Com. Pl. 592. All cattle, sheep, and other commonable animals levant and couchant within the borough.
