prance

[ prans, prahns ]

verb (used without object)

, pranced, pranc·ing.

1. to spring from the hind legs; to move by springing, as a horse.
2. to ride on a horse doing this.
3. to ride gaily, proudly, or insolently.
4. to move or go in an elated manner; cavort.

   Synonyms: frisk, frolic, romp, skip, leap, gambol

5. to dance or move in a lively or spirited manner; caper.

   Synonyms: romp, skip, leap, gambol, frisk, frolic

verb (used with object)

, pranced, pranc·ing.

1. to cause to prance.

noun

1. the act of prancing; a prancing movement.

prance

/ prɑːns /

verb

1. intr to swagger or strut
2. intr to caper, gambol, or dance about
3. intr
   1. (of a horse) to move with high lively springing steps
   2. to ride a horse that moves in this way
4. tr to cause to prance

noun

1. the act or an instance of prancing

Derived Forms

• ˈprancer, noun
• ˈprancingly, adverb

Other Words From

• prancer noun
• prancing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of prance¹

1325–75; Middle English prauncen, praunsen (v.); akin to Danish (dial.) pransk spirited, said of a horse

Word History and Origins

Origin of prance¹

C14 prauncen; perhaps related to German prangen to be in full splendour; compare Danish (dialect) pransk lively, spirited, used of a horse

Example Sentences

Last July, for the first time in nearly a decade, Joanna Rohrback discovered that she could prance once more.

From The Daily Beast

The horses are splendid animals; with dilated nostrils, and necks proudly arched, they seem to prance to the music of the flutes.

From Project Gutenberg

They had not been out of the stable for several days and were inclined to dance and prance.

From Project Gutenberg

The forge was mute, the fire extinguished, the prance of horses and the bustle of men in a moment ceased.

From Project Gutenberg

Here the newcomer flourished clinched fists and began to prance.

From Project Gutenberg

The newcomer continued to prance alarmingly and to wield his arms as if against an invisible opponent.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• gambol
• sashay
• strut
• swagger