piaffe

American  

[pyaf] / pyæf /

noun

1. Also piaffer. a cadenced trot executed on one spot, with a well-elevated leg action.

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verb (used without object)

piaffed, piaffing

1. (of a horse) to execute such a movement.

2. (of a rider) to cause a horse to piaffe.

verb (used with object)

piaffed, piaffing

1. to cause (a horse) to piaffe.

piaffe British  

/ pɪˈæf /

noun

1. dressage a passage done on the spot

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Etymology

Origin of piaffe

First recorded in 1755–65, piaffe is from the French word piaffer; imitative

Example Sentences

Eva’s task is Foley-ing a piece of film, shot inside a sawdust-strewn barn, depicting the piaffe: a graceful, animated trot in place.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 16, 2023

She must learn to make the sounds of a horse prancing in place, a dressage move known as a piaffe.

From New York Times • Aug. 24, 2023

Among them is the piaffe — the distinctive, high-stepping, bouncing-in-place gait that gives the impression that horse and rider are getting excited about an imminent cup of tea.

From New York Times • Aug. 14, 2016

But the piaffe became an abstraction long ago, like the pike in diving, or the asymmetrical bars.

From The New Yorker • Aug. 1, 2016

Q. Ought we to make a horse piaffe who will not bear the rassembler?

From New Method of Horsemanship Including the Breaking and Training of Horses, with Instructions for Obtaining a Good Seat. by Baucher, F.