festination

American  

[fes-tuh-ney-shuhn] / ˌfɛs təˈneɪ ʃən /

noun

Pathology.

1. a gait marked by an involuntary hurrying in walking, observed in certain nerve diseases.

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festination British  

/ ˌfɛstɪˈneɪʃən /

noun

1. an involuntary quickening of gait, as in some persons with Parkinson's disease

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Etymology

Origin of festination

1530–40; < Latin festinātiōn- (stem of festinātiō ) a hastening. See festinate, -ion

Example Sentences

McCarthy’s voluminous research is everywhere on the page — and, yes, very impressive — but you may find yourself stopping to look up supercavitation, acetabulum or festination only to turn back having forgotten what’s happening.

From Washington Post • Nov. 15, 2021

Strive not to run, like Hercules, a furlong in a breath: festination may prove precipitation; deliberating delay may be wise cunctation, and slowness no slothfulness.

From Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 6 by Mabie, Hamilton Wright

Perhaps Mr. Loudon, in his eager festination for a crop, may have determined to bury in quicklime.

From Dealings with the Dead, Volume I (of 2) by School, A Sexton of the Old