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

The warriors most famous for valor and strength advanced, making their horses caracole round about the fire.

From Project Gutenberg

The horse of one of these cavaliers made a caracole which brought it nearly upon Alain as he was about to cross.

From Project Gutenberg

We are to halt two days here, and before that is over, I hope you'll have made your last caracole in the riding-school of Nancy.'

From Project Gutenberg

When she found herself alone, she let her pony prance and caracole under a great pear-tree, and inwardly chafed against Anton.

From Project Gutenberg

The victorious knight made his horse caracole before the king, and bowed low in his saddle.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• fool around
• gambol
• romp