gait definition - Dictionary

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gait

gait [ gayt ] (plural gaits)

noun

Definition:

1. manner of walking: a way of walking, running, or moving along on foot

his familiar unsteady gait

2. pattern of horse's steps: any of the four paces of a horse, namely walk, trot, canter, and gallop, each having a specific pattern of leg movements

3. speed of progress: the speed at which something moves or progresses

Work proceeded at a steady gait.

[15th century. Variant of gate "way, street"]

Spelling Note


	gait or gate? Do not confuse the spelling of gait and gate, which sound similar. Gait is only used as a noun, denoting a manner of moving on foot, as in a horse's gait. Gate is chiefly used as a noun, denoting a movable barrier (as in close the gate), an arrival or departure point at an airport, etc., but it can also be a verb, meaning "control with a gate" or "install a gate in."