Lions in heraldry
Other terms are used to describe the lion's position in further detail.  The lion's head is normally seen in agreement with the overall position, (facing left) unless otherwise stated.  If a lion's whole body is turned to face right, he is to sinister or contourné.  If his whole body faces the viewer, he is affronté.  If his head only faces the viewer he is guardant or gardant, and if he looks back over his shoulder (body facing left but head turned to face right) he is regardant.  These words follow the main description of position, and then the lion is further described as armed (teeth and claws) of another color, if another color is used.  And finally, the tail may be described if it is unusual.  A lion (or other beast) coward carries its tail between its hind legs.  The tail also may be nowed (knotted), or the lion may be queue fourchée (forked tail) or double-queued (two tails).