Courris

Courris is a term with limited and obscure usage, primarily appearing in the context of heraldry. It is generally accepted to mean "running" or "in motion," and is often applied to animals depicted in a coat of arms that are shown running or leaping. The term is relatively uncommon in heraldic descriptions (blazons), with more descriptive terms like "rampant" (for lions) or "trippant" (for deer) being preferred for specifying animal postures.

The etymology of "courris" likely derives from the French word courir, meaning "to run." Its use in heraldry reflects the historical influence of French language and culture on heraldic terminology, particularly during the medieval period.

While technically correct, its use in modern heraldry is often discouraged in favor of more precise and readily understood descriptions of an animal's posture. Therefore, one is far more likely to encounter the word "running" or a more specific descriptor like "at full speed" to convey the sense of motion intended by the use of "courris." The term might appear in older blazons or in academic texts discussing heraldic history.