pussyfoot

[ poos-ee-foot ]

verb (used without object)

1. to go or move in a stealthy or cautious manner.
2. to act cautiously or timidly, as if afraid to commit oneself on a point at issue.

   Synonyms: straddle, sidestep, dodge, hedge

noun

, plural puss·y·foots.

1. a person with a catlike, or soft and stealthy, tread.
2. Chiefly British. a teetotaler or prohibitionist.

pussyfoot

/ ˈpʊsɪˌfʊt /

verb

1. to move about stealthily or warily like a cat
2. to avoid committing oneself

noun

1. a person who pussyfoots

Word History and Origins

Origin of pussyfoot¹

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95; pussy ¹ + foot

Example Sentences

Mr. Pussyfoot Johnson has told a Glasgow audience that he is no kill-joy, but smokes cigars.

From Project Gutenberg

He had been called many things—loan-shark, skinflint, tightwad, pussyfoot—but he had never before been called a flirt.

From Project Gutenberg

It appears that the man called the lamp-post "Pussyfoot," and the latter promptly knocked him down.

From Project Gutenberg

Converting a pussyfoot into liquid measure with caustic soda water.

From Project Gutenberg

But that is another story, and might bring Mr. Pussyfoot Johnson on the scene before his time.

From Project Gutenberg