The various positions which modern heraldry has evolved for the lions, together with the terms of blazon used to describe these positions, are as follows, and the differences can best be appreciated from a series drawn by the same artist, in this case Mr. Graham Johnston:—
Lion rampant.—The animal is here depicted in profile, and erect, resting upon its sinister hind-paw (see Fig. 284).
Lion rampant guardant.—In this case the head of the lion is turned to face the spectator (Fig. 285).
Fig. 277.—Lions. (Drawn by Mr. J. Forbes Nixon.)
Lion rampant regardant.—In this case the head is turned completely round, looking backwards (Fig. 286).
Lion rampant, double-queued.—In this case the lion is represented as
having two tails (Fig. 287). These must both be apparent from the base of the tail, otherwise confusion will arise with the next example.
Lion rampant queue-fourché.—In this case one tail springs from the base, which is divided or "forked" in the centre (Fig. 288). There is no doubt that whilst in modern times and with regard to modern arms this distinction must be adhered to, anciently queue-fourché and double-queued were interchangeable terms.