Demihorse

/ˈdɛmɪhɔrs/ noun

Definition

In heraldry, a horse shown only in front half (from the front or head to the middle of the body).

Etymology

From 'demi-' (half) + 'horse,' which comes from Old English 'hors.' In heraldic terms, a demihor shows the front portion of the animal, in contrast to full or full-bodied representations.

Kelly Says

Heraldry had hyper-specific rules about which body parts you could show—a horse could appear full, demi (half), or couped (just the head), and these distinctions actually conveyed information about a family's rank or achievements.

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