caracole

[ kar-uh-kohl ]

noun

1. a half turn executed by a horse and rider.
2. Rare. a winding staircase.

verb (used without object)

, car·a·coled, car·a·col·ing.

1. to execute caracoles; wheel.

caracole

/ ˈkærəˌkɒl; ˈkærəˌkəʊl /

noun

1. dressage a half turn to the right or left
2. a spiral staircase

verb

1. dressage to execute a half turn to the right or left

Other Words From

• cara·coler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of caracole¹

1650–60; < French < Spanish caracol snail, spiral shell or stair, turning movement (of a horse)

Word History and Origins

Origin of caracole¹

C17: from French, from Spanish caracol snail, spiral staircase, turn

Example Sentences

Alas! in the moment of supreme triumph, whilst the Volunteers caracole so bravely down Sackville Street, we may detect grave symptoms of danger, which argus-eyed England scans with hope, while the Viceroy is laughing in the Castle.

From Project Gutenberg

I stroll, Revolving many problems in my soul, And marvelling at the mania which bids Sexagenarians caracole like kids; Which causes grave and reverend signiors To talk for hours of nothing but their scores, And worse, when baffled by a little ball, On the infernal deities to call; Which brightens overworked officials' lives; Which bores to tears their much-enduring wives; Which fosters the consumption of white port, And many other drinks, both long and short.

From Project Gutenberg

Had he been less occupied with himself and his horse, which he forced to curvet and caracole in the most outrageous fashion, he would have seen that the damsels before whom he wished to cut such a fine figure were of a beauty far too ethereal to be human, for the ladies who watched him with such amusement were princesses of the race of Faery, and had waylaid the young knight with the intention of giving him such aid as fairies have in their power.

From Project Gutenberg

Caracole, kar′a-kōl, n. the half-turn or wheel made by a horseman: a winding stair.—v.i. to turn half-round, as cavalry in wheeling: to prance about.—p.adj.

From Project Gutenberg

We were now two against three--the White-mantle was saved--with a wonderful inimitable, caracole he placed his horse by my side.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• fool around
• gambol
• romp