pir·ou·ette / ˌpiroŏˈet/ • n. chiefly Ballet an act of spinning on one foot, typically with the raised foot touching the knee of the supporting leg. ∎  a movement performed in advanced dressage and classical riding, in which the horse makes a circle by pivoting on a hind leg while cantering.• v. [intr.] perform a pirouette.

pirouette (Fr.). Spinning-top.
1. Funnel-shaped reed shield, made in variety of shapes, used on shawm and rackett against which player could press his lips while taking projecting part of reed into his mouth. Helped to avoid lip-fatigue and protected reed.

2. In dancing, one or more turns of the body on one leg, with the point of the working leg usually touching knee of supporting leg.

pirouette spinning round on one foot or on the point of the toe. XVIII. — F., orig. kind of dice; of unkn. orig.