piaffe

[ pyaf ]

noun

1. Also piaffer. a cadenced trot executed on one spot, with a well-elevated leg action.

verb (used without object)

, piaffed, piaff·ing.

1. (of a horse) to execute such a movement.
2. (of a rider) to cause a horse to piaffe.

verb (used with object)

, piaffed, piaff·ing.

1. to cause (a horse) to piaffe.

piaffe

/ pɪˈæf /

noun

1. dressage a passage done on the spot

Word History and Origins

Origin of piaffe¹

First recorded in 1755–65, piaffe is from the French word piaffer; imitative

Word History and Origins

Origin of piaffe¹

C18: from French, from piaffer to strut

Example Sentences

She must learn to make the sounds of a horse prancing in place, a dressage move known as a piaffe.

From New York Times

A bouncy piaffe, near-perfect tempo changes and a lot of power made the difference after the seven judges gave their marks.

From Reuters

Among them is the piaffe — the distinctive, high-stepping, bouncing-in-place gait that gives the impression that horse and rider are getting excited about an imminent cup of tea.

From New York Times

She wanted to ride the steps of one last piaffe.

From The New Yorker

Soon we will all be able to distinguish piaffe from passage.

From The Guardian