pétanque

[ pey-tahngk; French pe-tahnk ]

noun

1. a form of lawn bowling originating in France, usually played on rough ground using steel balls.

pétanque

/ petɑ̃k /

noun

1. See boules
   another name, esp in the South of France, for boules

Word History and Origins

Origin of pétanque¹

1950–55; < French < Provençal pé foot (< Latin ped-, stem of pēs ) + tanco post, stake (derivative of tancar to close, bar < Vulgar Latin *stanticāre; stanch ¹ ); so called because the feet are to be planted firmly on the ground, as if staked, when the ball is released

Word History and Origins

Origin of pétanque¹

from Provençal pèd tanco foot fixed (to the ground)