Voltige
/vɔlˈtiʒ/noun
A gymnastic or acrobatic leap or movement, especially in horseback riding or aerial performance.
Did you know?Voltige comes through French from the same Latin root as English “voluble” and “volunteer,” all tied to the idea of turning, rolling, or moving around.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
volvere
“to roll, turn, or twist”
Late Latin
Latin
volticare
“to turn about, whirl”
Old French
Old French
voltiger
“to leap, spring, or dart about”
17th Century
French
voltige
“a leap or acrobatic movement, especially on horseback”
Modern English
English
voltige
“an acrobatic leap or performance movement, especially in equestrian contexts”