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

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

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg