prance

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a proud stiff pompous gait
  2. verb to walk with a lofty proud gait, often in an attempt to impress others
  3. verb spring forward on the hind legs

Etymology

From Middle English prancen, prauncen (“to prance”, literally “to show off”), variant of Middle English pranken (“to prank”), thus probably from the same ultimate root as prank. Cognate with Bavarian prangezen, prangssen (“to put on airs”), Alemannic German pranzen (“to strut”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

strut, swagger

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