pigeonwing

[ pij-uhn-wing ]

noun

1. a particular figure in skating, outlining the spread wing of a pigeon.
2. a similar fancy step or evolution in dancing.

pigeonwing

/ ˈpɪdʒɪnˌwɪŋ /

noun

1. a fancy step in dancing in which the feet are clapped together

Word History and Origins

Origin of pigeonwing¹

First recorded in 1775–85; pigeon ¹ + wing

Example Sentences

The final lineup includes choreographer Julia Ehrstrand, Gabrielle Lamb’s Pigeonwing Dance, students from Earl Mosely Institute of the Arts and Hope Boykin Dance, the troupe founded by Ms. Boykin, a mesmerizing member of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater who has created work for that company as well.

From New York Times

Then his opponent talked and sang; and as this produced no noticeable effect, he danced, and stooping, began "to cut the pigeonwing" directly under the rifle-barrel.

From Project Gutenberg

Pigeonwing, and could sing cavatinas and galop galops with the best of them.

From Project Gutenberg

Dem Pottawattamie his friend— when dey come to meet ole chief, no find him; but find Pigeonwing; got me when tired and 'sleep; got Elkfoot scalp wid me—sorry for dat—know scalp by scalp-lock, which had gray hair, and some mark.

From Project Gutenberg

But, as the trees sprang apart, wrenching the man's arms out of their sockets, a friendly Indian, Pigeonwing, concealed in a neighboring thicket, unable to rescue his friend and wishing to save him from the long hours of awful torture, shot Corporal Flint through the forehead.

From Project Gutenberg