plié

[ plee-ey ]

noun

, Ballet.

, plural pli·és [plee-, eyz, plee-, ey].

1. a movement in which the knees are bent while the back is held straight.

plié

/ ˈpliːeɪ /

noun

1. a classic ballet practice posture with back erect and knees bent

Word History and Origins

Origin of plié¹

1890–95; < French, noun use of past participle of plier to bend; ply ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of plié¹

French: bent, from plier to bend

Example Sentences

Sa solidité vient de sa souplesse; elle plie et ne rompt pas.

From Project Gutenberg

You have only, when before your glass, to keep pronouncing to yourself nimini-pimini—the lips cannot fail taking their plie.

From Project Gutenberg