überzwerch

German

The arms of Pratteln feature an Adler nach rechts überzwerch — an eagle displayed fesswise. Contrast the arms of Germany, which have a similar but upright eagle.

Etymology

From Middle High German überzwerch (15th century; cp. übertwerch). See über and zwerch.

Pronunciation

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Adjective

überzwerch (strong nominative masculine singular überzwercher, not comparable)

1. crossed, (turned) crosswise; turned, especially in an inappropriate way

   die 22–23° überzwerch geostete, einschiffige Kirche in Watzenborn-Steinberg

   the single-nave church in Watzenborn-Steinberg, turned 22–23° too far east (rather than being turned to true east)

2. (regional, of people) crotchety
3. (heraldry) fesswise; turned sideways

Further reading

• “überzwerch” in Duden online; “überzwerch” in Duden online