entrechat Hear it!

entrechat definition

en·tre·chat (än′trə s̸hä′, än′trə s̸hä′; Fr äntr' s̸hȧ′)

noun

Ballet a leap straight upward during which the dancer crosses the legs and beats the calves together a number of times

Etymology: Fr earlier entrechasse, altered (as if < entre, between, among + chasser < OFr chacier, chase) < It (capriola) intrecciata, lit., intertwined (leap) < intrecciare < in-, in + treccia, a plait: see tress

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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