curvet n 1: a light leap by a horse in which both hind legs leave the ground before the forelegs come down [syn: {curvet}, {vaulting}] v 1: perform a leap where both hind legs come off the ground, of a horse
Curvet \Cur"vet\, v. t. To cause to curvet. --Landor. [1913 Webster]
Curvet \Cur"vet\ (k[^u]r"v?t or k[^u]r-v?t"; 277), n. [OE. corvet, It.corvetta: cf. F. courbette. See {Curve}, and cf. {Corvetto}.] 1. (Man.) A particular leap of a horse, when he raises both his fore legs at once, equally advanced, and, as his fore legs are falling, raises his hind legs, so that all his legs are in the air at once. [1913 Webster] 2. A prank; a frolic. [1913 Webster]
Curvet \Cur"vet\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Curveted} or {-vetted}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Curveting} or {-vetting}.] [Cf. It. corvettare. See {Curvet}, n.] 1. To make a curvet; to leap; to bound. "Oft and high he did curvet." --Drayton. [1913 Webster] 2. To leap and frisk; to frolic. --Shak. [1913 Webster]