Demilion

/ˈdeɪmiːlaɪən/ noun

Definition

A heraldic representation of a lion shown only from the waist upward, as if cut in half vertically.

Etymology

From French demi- meaning 'half' combined with lion. The term emerged in heraldry during the medieval period to describe partial animal figures used in coats of arms and shields.

Kelly Says

Medieval heralds used demilions to create new coat-of-arms designs by literally cutting lions in half on parchment—it's like the original copy-and-paste function for creating unique family symbols that combined different heraldic elements.

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