A pawing movement of the foot, reminiscent of a horse pawing the ground, made while performing a hop on the other leg.
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in Dancing Times. From French pas de cheval (not dated in dictionaries of French), lit. ‘horse's step’ from pas step + de + cheval.
Definition of pas de cheval in US English:
pas de cheval
noun
A pawing movement of the foot, reminiscent of a horse pawing the ground, made while performing a hop on the other leg.
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in Dancing Times. From French pas de cheval (not dated in dictionaries of French), lit. ‘horse's step’ from pas step + de + cheval.