I. ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷+ˌ- noun
Etymology: part translation of Middle French contrechange, from contre- counter- + change exchange change — more at change
1. obsolete : exchange , reciprocation , alternation
2. : the contrast of a dark area against a light ground with a light area against a dark ground in a painting
II. | ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷+ transitive verb
Etymology: part translation of Middle French contrechanger, from contrechange, n.
1. : to cause to change places or characteristics : shift , transpose
2. : to make checkered (as with contrasting colors)
elms that counterchange the floor of this flat lawn with dusk and bright — Alfred Tennyson
3. heraldry
a. : to depict (charges or a charge borne on a party or varied field) in the tincture of the opposite part of the field from that on which each charge or each part of a charge lies
b. : to reverse the two tinctures of (a varied field) on the opposite sides of a line of partition