Trapeze
/trəˈpiːz/noun
A horizontal bar or apparatus suspended by ropes, used for acrobatics.
Did you know?*Trapeze* ultimately comes from Greek *trapeza*, meaning “table,” the same ancient root behind *trap* in the sense of a support or board, showing how a word for a simple surface became airborne.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
GRK
trapeza
“table; a four-legged stand or table-like surface”
Late Latin
LAT
trapezia
“table, tray, or board”
Old French
OFr
trapeze
“a small table or stand; later a gymnastic apparatus”
18th Century
French
trapèze
“a gymnastic apparatus suspended by cords”
19th Century
English
trapeze
“a suspended bar used for acrobatic performances”