music: a term derived from the Latin preposition contra, and the verb punere; because the musical characters by which the notes in each part are signified are placed in such a manner each with respect to each as to shew how the parts answer one another. See Composition.

Counter-Pointed, (Contre-pointé,) in heraldry, is when two chevrons in one escutcheon meet in the points, the one rising as usual from the base, and the other inverted falling from the chief; so that they are counter to one another in the points. They may also be counter-pointed when they are founded upon the sides of the shield, and the points meet that way, called counter-pointed in fesse.

Counterpoise, in the manage, is the liberty of the action and seat of a horse-man; so that in all the motions made by the horse, he does not incline his body more to one side than to the other, but continues in the middle of the saddle, being equally on his stirrups, in order to give the horse the proper and seasonable aids.

Counter-potent, (Contre-potence,) in heraldry, is reckoned a fur as well as vair and ermine; but composed of such pieces as represent the tops of crutches, called in French potences, and in old English potents. Counter-Proof, in rolling-press printing, a print taken off from another fresh printed; which by being passed through the press, gives the figure of the former, but inverted. To counter-prove, is also to pass a design in black lead, or red chalk, through the press, after having moistened with a sponge both that and the paper on which the counter-proof is to be taken.

Counter-Quartered, (contre-ecartelé), in heraldry, denotes the escutcheon, after being quartered, to have each quarter again divided into two.

Counter-Saliant, is when two beaks are borne in a coat leaping from each other directly contrary way.

Counter-Scarp, in fortification, is properly the exterior talus or slope of the ditch; but it is often taken for the covered way and the glacis. In this sense we say, the enemy have lodged themselves on the counter-scarp. Angle of the Counter-scarp, is that made by two sides of the counter-scarp meeting before the middle of the curtain.

Counter-Signing, the signing the writing of a superior in quality of secretary. Thus charters are signed by the king, and counter-signed by a secretary of state, or lord chancellor.