music: a term derived from the Latin preposition contra and the verb punger; 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 show 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 manege, 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.