footlight

[ foot-lahyt ]

noun

1. Usually footlights. Theater. the lights light lights at the front of a stage that are nearly on a level with the feet foot of the performers.
2. the footlights, the stage; acting profession.

Word History and Origins

Origin of footlight¹

First recorded in 1830–40; foot + light ¹

Example Sentences

There's far more heroism in the attitude of men out here than in the footlight attitude that journalists paint for the public.

From Project Gutenberg

Footlight paralysis is one of the most terrifying of all acute diseases and there is no cure for it but experience.

From Project Gutenberg

Jefferson had really fallen asleep, and his snores, it is said, were quite audible beyond the footlight.

From Project Gutenberg

No living creature excites such general curiosity, interest, and perhaps admiration and envy, as this footlight queen.

From Project Gutenberg

To use the torch or hand lantern, a footlight must be used as a point of reference to the motion.

From Project Gutenberg