prance etymology

Etymology

The word "prance" derives from the Middle English word "praunsen," which ultimately originates from the Old French verb "pranser," meaning "to walk with a high, arched gait."

Meaning

"Prance" refers to the action of moving with an exaggerated and graceful gait, typically involving high-stepping and arched movements. It often describes the way horses move when they are excited or showing off, but can also be applied to humans or other animals.

Origin

The term "prance" was first used in English in the early 14th century to describe the movement of horses. By the 15th century, it had come to be used more generally to describe graceful or showy movements.

Related Words

  • Prancer
  • Prancement
  • Prancing
  • Prancey
  • Caper

prance relate terms

  • prank

    Etymology Late Middle English originally in the sense frolic jest from Anglo

  • prancer

    Etymology Old French prancier Late Latin prancarius Proto Germanic prangjaną

  • prance

    Etymology The word prance derives from the Middle English word praunsen which ultima

  • swagger

    Etymology and Meaning The word swagger has its origins in the Middle English word swag

  • ruffle

    Origin and Etymology of Ruffle The word ruffle originated in the late 15th century fr

  • strut

    Etymology Middle English strutte from Old English strutian to rove about ramble G

  • thresh

    Etymology The word thresh derives from the Old English þerscan meaning to beat or

  • gait

    Etymology The word gait comes from the Middle English word gat which is itself deriv

  • dire

    Dire Etymology Middle English from Old French dire from the Latin dicere to say to

  • ride

    Etymology The word ride comes from the Old English word rīdan which means to go on

  • walk

    Etymology The word walk derives from the Proto Germanic word walkaną meaning to roll