a. Her. rare–0. [f. L. tergum the back, after rampant, passant, etc.] Showing the back; having the back turned towards the spectator: said of an animal borne as a charge. (Cf. RECURSANT.)
c. 1828. Berry, Encycl. Her., I. Gloss., Tergant, or Tergiant, showing the back part…; by some termed invertant, or recursant.… Tergiant, volant, flying, showing the back part. Tergiant, displayed, an eagle, displayed, showing the back. Tergiant, surgant, or surgiant, as an eagle, &c. rising, with the back to sight.
1894. Parker’s Gloss. Her., Tergiant, of a Tortoise, &c., having the back turned towards the spectator.
