guardant
1 of 2adjective
guar·dant ˈgär-dᵊnt 
: having the head turned toward the spectator —used of a heraldic animal whose body is seen from the side
a lion passant guardant
guardant
2 of 2noun
obsolete
: guardian
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
Middle French gardant, present participle of garder to guard, look at
First Known Use
Adjective
1572, in the meaning defined above
Noun
1591, in the meaning defined above