Waling

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Characterized by the act of moving with a particular rhythm, often reflecting haste or urgency in one's step
2. Describing a type of behavior that involves walking or traversing through a space in a specific manner
3. Pertaining to the specific motion or gait that might demonstrate purpose or intent while navigating an area

Etymology: Two unrelated words lie behind "wale," and they reached English by different routes. The first, Old English "walu," meant a ridge or bank, and also the raised mark left by a blow, which is why "weal" still names a welt on the skin. Middle English "wāle" applied the same idea to planking, the ridged timbers along a ship's side, and the verb grew from that noun in late Middle English. "Waling" is the present participle of this verb. The second comes from Old Norse "val," meaning choice. It is related to Old Norse "velja," "to choose," and to German "Wahl," and it also connects to English "will," from Old English "willan," "to want." Its Middle English forms, "wale" and "wal," coincided with the spelling of the ridge word, so the two have shared one form in English ever since.

Synonyms: crying, screaming, wailing