curvet

1 of 2

noun

cur·​vet (ˌ)kər-ˈvet 

: a prancing leap of a horse in which the hind legs are raised just before the forelegs touch the ground

curvet

2 of 2

verb

curvetted or curveted; curvetting or curveting

intransitive verb

: to make a curvet

also : prance, caper

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Italian corvetta, from Middle French courbette, from courber to curve, from Latin curvare

First Known Use

Noun

1575, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1592, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

curvet

1 of 2 noun

cur·​vet (ˌ)kər-ˈvet 

: a leap of a horse in which first the forelegs and then the hind are raised so that for an instant all the legs are in the air

curvet

2 of 2 verb

curvetted or curveted; curvetting or curveting

1

: to make a curvet

2

: caper entry 2, prance