passant

[ pas-uhnt ]

adjective

, Heraldry.

1. (of a beast) represented as in the act of walking, with one forepaw raised.

passant

/ ˈpæsənt /

adjective

1. usually postpositive heraldry (of a beast) walking, with the right foreleg raised

Word History and Origins

Origin of passant¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Middle French, present participle of passer to pass; -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of passant¹

C14: from Old French, present participle of passer to pass

Example Sentences

I may remark, en passant, that there is a large proportion of German population throughout Ohio.

From Project Gutenberg

A workman may be honest to a certain extent, and venture in, en passant, to papa Desnoyers's.

From Project Gutenberg

J'admire vos talens; je m'amuse de vos rveries qui (soit dit en passant) vous occupent trop et trop longtemps.

From Project Gutenberg

Some places are like some women, charming, en passant, but intolerable upon close acquaintance.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Pike did not reach the fort till the next morning about ten, I will say en passant.

From Project Gutenberg