Definition of prance

The word "prance" has its roots in Old French and is closely related to the Middle English word "prancen," which means "to dance" or "to leap." This term was later adopted into Middle English and evolved to describe the act of moving with a confident and proud stride, often accompanied by an elevated gait and a swinging tail. In the 15th century, the term "prance" took on a more figurative meaning, describing a sense of pride and arrogance. This connotation is still present in modern English, where "prance" is often used to describe someone who is overly proud or haughty. Throughout its history, the word "prance" has been closely associated with horses, possibly due to their natural tendency to raise their legs high when running or jumping. This etymological connection has influenced the modern English usage of the term, often using "prance" to describe a person's boisterous or overconfident behavior.