Definition of gait

The origin of the word "gait" is believed to have derived from the Old Norse word "geidi" or "geithi," which referred to the way a horse or other large animal walked or moved. This word was brought to England by the Vikings during their invasions in the 9th and 10th centuries. In Old English, the word evolved into "gǣdan," which meant "to go" or "move." The Middle English version of the word, "gyden," was used to describe how humans walked as well as how animals moved. The modern English word "gait" originated in the late 14th century from the Middle English "gyden," which had two possible meanings: the manner in which an animal moves, or a step or stride- both literal and figurative. The term "gait" became more commonly used in the field of veterinary medicine to describe the way horses and other animals walk or run, in order to help identify any issues or abnormalities in their locomotion. However, it has also been used more broadly to refer to a person's distinctive or characteristic way of walking, especially when it is distinctive or unusual. Today, the word "gait" is commonly used in medical, scientific and engineering discussions to describe the manner in which an individual or machine moves from one place to another. Overall, the word "gait" has evolved over time from its roots in the Old Norse word for how horses or other animals moved, to a more general term used to describe a person's walk or the way an animal moves, and ultimately to a more specialized term with its focus in veterinary medical, engineering or scientific context.