pranc´ing|ly

prance «prans, prahns», verb, pranced, pranc|ing, noun.

–v.i.

1. to spring about as if dancing; move with high steps or with leaps from the hind to the front legs: »

Horses prance when they feel lively.

2. to ride on a horse doing this: »

The insulting tyrant, prancing o'er the field…His horse's hoofs wet with patrician blood (Joseph Addison).

3. to move gaily or proudly; swagger: »

The children pranced about in their new Halloween costumes.

4. to caper; dance.

–v.t.

to cause to prance.

–n.

the act of prancing.

╂[Middle English prancen, and prauncen; origin uncertain]

–pranc´er, noun.

–pranc´ing|ly, adverb.