Adorsed
/əˈdɔːrst/noun
In heraldry, positioned back to back, usually with the heads facing opposite directions.
Did you know?In heraldic symbolism, adorsed figures can suggest opposition or estrangement, while paired creatures facing one another are described as affronted.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dorsom
“Back; the back of the body”
Ancient Latin
Latin
dorsum
“The back or rear side”
Medieval Latin
Latin
adorsare
“To place with the backs together; to turn toward the back”
Medieval French
Old French
adosser
“To set back to back; to support or lean against”
17th Century
English
adorse
“To place heraldic figures back to back”
Modern English
English
adorsed
“Placed back to back, especially in heraldic description”