pigeonwing

American

[pij-uhn-wing] / ˈpɪdʒ ənˌwɪŋ /

noun

a particular figure in skating, outlining the spread wing of a pigeon.
a similar fancy step or evolution in dancing.

pigeonwing British

/ ˈpɪdʒɪnˌwɪŋ /

noun

a fancy step in dancing in which the feet are clapped together

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of pigeonwing

First recorded in 1775–85; pigeon ¹ + wing

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Then his opponent talked and sang; and as this produced no noticeable effect, he danced, and stooping, began "to cut the pigeonwing" directly under the rifle-barrel.

From Sergeant York And His People by Cowan, Sam K. (Sam Kinkade)

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023