capriole

[ kap-ree-ohl ]

noun

1. a caper or leap.
2. Manège. a movement in which the horse jumps up with its forelegs well drawn in, kicks out with its hind legs in a horizontal position in the air, and then lands again on the same spot.

verb (used without object)

, cap·ri·oled, cap·ri·ol·ing.

1. to execute a capriole.

capriole

/ ˈkæprɪˌəʊl /

noun

1. dressage a high upward but not forward leap made by a horse with all four feet off the ground
2. dancing a leap from bent knees

verb

1. intr to perform a capriole

Word History and Origins

Origin of capriole¹

1570–80; < Middle French < Italian capriola, noun derivative of capriolare to leap, caper, verbal derivative of capri ( u ) olo roebuck < Latin capreolus, equivalent to capre ( a ) roe deer (derivative of caper male goat; caper ¹ ) + -olus -ole ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of capriole¹

C16: from French, from Old Italian capriola, from capriolo roebuck, from Latin capreolus, caper goat

Example Sentences

“Beneath her wrinkly exterior lies a complexity not often found in such a young cheese,” reads Capriole’s description of the Wabash Cannonball, a popular, prizewinning cheese named for the folk song about a fictional train sung by Johnny Cash.

From New York Times

If you work hard enough, eventually you’ll be able to get a horse to jump into the air or stand on its hind legs, although the beauty of these moves will be dampened by the fact that you’ll refer to them as “capriole” and “levade” and everyone will think you’re a pretentious jerk.

From BusinessWeek

Capriole, kap′ri-ōl, n. a caper: a leap without advancing.—v.i. to leap: to caper.

From Project Gutenberg

That would have to go to restaurateur John Capriole who named his sandwich shop Dharma Buns Sandwich Co. after Kerouac's novel "The Dharma Bums."

From Inc

Into the depths of these forests we were to penetrate in pursuit of our game, and finer covers to be stocked with cingale and capriole, or bolder scenery for the theatre of our sylvan sport, can scarcely be imagined.

From Project Gutenberg

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