prisiadka

[ pris-yahd-kuh ]

noun

1. a step in Slavic folk dancing in which the dancer squats on the haunches and kicks out each foot alternately; the characteristic step of the kazachok.

Word History and Origins

Origin of prisiadka¹

1935–40; < Russian prisyádka, equivalent to prisyad-, variant stem of priséstʾ to squat ( pri- v. prefix, here marking action done incompletely or temporarily + sestʾ to sit down, akin to sit ¹ ) + -ka noun suffix; or < Ukrainian prýsyadka, formed in a parallel manner from prysísty to squat

Example Sentences

The count took the landlord by the throat, and ordered him to dance the prisiadka.

From Project Gutenberg