goose step

goose step
goose step (n.) 1806, originally was a military drill to teach balance; "to stand on each leg alternately and swing the other back and forth" (which, presumably, reminded someone of a goose's way of walking); in reference to "marching without bending the knees" (as in Nazi military reviews) it apparently is first recorded 1916. As a verb by 1854.

Etymology dictionary. 2014.

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  • goose step — n. a marching step, as of troops passing in review, in which the legs are raised high and kept stiff and unbent: often used figuratively to connote militarism, fascism, etc. goose step [go͞os′step΄] vi. goose stepped, goose stepping …   English World dictionary

  • goose step — goose′ step n. mil a marching step of some infantries in which the legs are swung high and kept straight and stiff • Etymology: 1800–10 goose′ step , v.i. stepped, step•ping. goose′ step per, n …   From formal English to slang

  • goose-step — goose stepper, n. /goohs step /, v.i., goose stepped, goose stepping. to march in a goose step: Troops goose stepped past the reviewing stand. [1875 80] * * * …   Universalium

  • goose step — ► NOUN ▪ a military marching step in which the legs are not bent at the knee. ► VERB (goose step) ▪ march with such a step …   English terms dictionary

  • goose-step — goose steps, goose stepping, goose stepped VERB When soldiers goose step, they lift their legs high and do not bend their knees as they march. ...photos of soldiers goose stepping beside fearsome missiles …   English dictionary

  • goose-step — goose ,step verb intransitive to march without bending your leg when you raise it ╾ goose ,step noun count …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • Goose-Step — Der Stechschritt [ [http://dict.leo.org/ende?lp=ende p=tLMk. search=Stechschritt LEO D E Ergebnisse für Stechschritt ] ] (literally: piercing step ), commonly known in English speaking countries as the Goose Step , is a special form of military… …   Wikipedia

  • goose-step — UK / US verb [intransitive] Word forms goose step : present tense I/you/we/they goose step he/she/it goose steps present participle goose stepping past tense goose stepped past participle goose stepped to march without bending your leg when you… …   English dictionary

  • goose-step — ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ intransitive verb Etymology: goose step 1. : to march in a goose step soldiers goose stepped into the ancient capital 2. : to practice an unthinking conformity in thought or action : conform especially under social pressure or from… …   Useful english dictionary

  • goose step — noun a military marching step in which the legs are not bent at the knee. verb (goose step) march with such a step …   English new terms dictionary

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