a. Her. [= F. contre-potencé: see COUNTER- 14. In English the final -é appears sometimes treated as an English -e mute.] Having the figures called ‘potents’ (shaped like the heads of crutches) arranged as in COUNTER-VAIR.
1572. Bossewell, Armorie, II. 35. Beareth Sable, a Bende Argent, with twoo double Cotizes, Potences and Counterpotences of three peces d’Or.
1611. Cotgr., Contrepotencé, counterpotencie (a tearme of Blason).
1823. Crabbe, Techn. Dict., Counter-potencé.
So Counter-potence sb. rare; Counter-potent a. (sb.), applied esp. to a ‘fur’ in which the potents are arranged as in COUNTER-VAIR.
1610. Guillim, Her., I. iv. 15. I hold it better blazoned Potent counterpotent for the resemblance it hath to the heads of crowches.
1727–51. Chambers, Cycl., Counterpotent … by the French heralds called contre-potence.
1830. Robson, Brit. Herald, III. s.v., Counter potent,… is classed with the furs, but composed of pieces representing the tops of crutches.
1864. Boutell, Heraldry Hist. & Pop., iv. (ed. 3), 20. Potent and Counter Potent are always Argent and Azure. Ibid., xiv. 158. I give the Shield of Champagne, in order to show more clearly the field of the Shield between the counter-potences of the cotises.
1868. Cussans, Her., iii. 53.
