entrechat

[ French ahn-truh-sha ]

noun

, Ballet.

, plural en·tre·chats [ah, n, -t, r, uh, -, sha].

1. a jump in which the dancer crosses the feet a number of times while in the air.

entrechat

/ ɑ̃trəʃa /

noun

1. a leap in ballet during which the dancer repeatedly crosses his feet or beats them together

Word History and Origins

Origin of entrechat¹

1765–75; < French, alteration of Italian ( capriola ) intrecciata intwined (caper), equivalent to in- in- ² + trecci- tress + -ata -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of entrechat¹

C18: from French, from earlier entrechase, changed by folk etymology from Italian ( capriola ) intrecciata, literally: entwined (caper), from intrecciare to interlace, from in- ² + treccia tress

Example Sentences

The man at the controls of the machine practically performed a ritual entrechat.

From Project Gutenberg

"I'm sure you'll do a wonderful job," she exclaimed, impulsively giving a ritual entrechat.

From Project Gutenberg

She was past-mistress of the entrechat and other mysteries of the ballet academy.

From Project Gutenberg

But the curtain rose on the ballet, and the first entrechat electrified them.

From Project Gutenberg

I could do my little entrechat—in the good old way, I assure you!

From Project Gutenberg