Curvetted

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Describing a motion that involves turning or bending in a smooth arc, such as the way an animal might leap or run in a graceful curve
2. Characterizing a movement that introduces a gentle curve, often associated with the way equine animals maneuver or dance
3. Pertaining to a style of motion that features a circular or rounded path, often observed in the mannerisms of certain animals during training or performance

Etymology: "Curvetted" is the past tense of "curvet," a verb for a horse's leap in which it springs forward with its forelegs raised and hind legs following in the air. The verb comes from Italian "corvetta," a small diminutive of "corva," an early form of "curva" meaning "curve." That Italian word traces back to Latin "curva," the feminine form of "curvus," meaning "bent" or "curved." The horse sense is what the Italian word carries. The equestrian movement gave English its meaning, so the word describes a rider's controlled, bouncing gait rather than any bend in a line. A curvet is a half-leap, and a horse performing one seems to draw a little arc through the air, which explains why the Italian diminutive of "curve" was chosen for it.

Synonyms: pranced, leaped, jumped, bounded, gambolled

Antonyms: walked, stumbled, ambled, plodded, trudged