footpace

[ foot-peys ]

noun

1. walking pace.
2. a raised portion of a floor; platform.
3. a landing or resting place at the end of a short flight of steps.

footpace

/ ˈfʊtˌpeɪs /

noun

1. a normal or walking pace
2. Also called (in the Roman Catholic Church)predella the platform immediately before an altar at the top of the altar steps

Word History and Origins

Origin of footpace¹

First recorded in 1530–40; foot + pace ¹

Example Sentences

Mary mounted beside him and supported his head, while Toft climbed to the box, and at a footpace they set off across the sward, the laborer plodding at the tail of the carriage, and Lord Audley and Stubbs following a score of paces behind.

From Project Gutenberg

Now for the first time Oswald's brave assurance threatened to desert him--he would not hearken to the sad presentiments which besieged him, but gave rein to his horse, and rode fleetly on until he reached the foot of the hill, and the ascending path before him brought him to a footpace.

From Project Gutenberg

At the same moment the rider we had been following came into view; he was a priest, in immaculate black coat and top-hat, seated on a tall chestnut horse, and proceeding at a tranquil footpace on his own affairs.

From Project Gutenberg

When I crawl out on Sibyl Grey, I am the very image of Death on the pale horse—lanthorn-jawed, decayed in flesh, stooping as if I meant to eat the pony's ears, and unable to go above a footpace.

From Project Gutenberg

The two occupants of the open carriage wending its way at a footpace up the steep mountain road were well wrapped up, for at that elevation, late summer as it was, the air was biting and chill.

From Project Gutenberg