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Contourné

Heraldic Terms
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

In heraldry, a charge turned to face the sinister (left) side of the shield rather than the default dexter (right), indicating reversal or symbolic deviation.

Detailed Definition
Contourné is used when a charge faces the left, symbolizing deviation or alternative perspective. Poets might use it metaphorically for opposition, difference, or subversion within a narrative.
Example
Example in poetry:
The lion contourné walked away, a symbol of retreat or introspection; “Contourné from glory,” the elegy mourned the hero’s exile; The poet’s muse, contourné, looked back at inspiration she could no longer reach; On the shield, the griffin contourné guarded secrets behind its shoulder.
Additional Notes
Contourné (or contourny) describes a charge, especially an animal, turned to face the sinister (left) side of the shield; this is unusual, as most face dexter (right); in poetry, contourné figures may symbolize retreat, rebellion, or introspection; it is a deliberate deviation from norm, often carrying narrative weight.
Also Known As
Contourny Turned to sinister
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