Couchant \Couch"ant\ (kouch"ant), a. [F., p. pr. of coucher. See Couch, v. t.]

1. Lying down with head erect; squatting.

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.

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)