handspring

[ hand-spring ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

an acrobatic feat in which one starts from a standing position and wheels the body forward or backward in a complete circle, landing first on the hands and then on the feet, without contact by the rest of the body.

, hand·sprang, hand·sprung, hand·springing.

handspring

/ ˈhændˌsprɪŋ /

a gymnastic feat in which a person starts from a standing position and leaps forwards or backwards into a handstand and then onto his feet

First recorded in 1870–75; hand + spring

The next moment he executed a handspring into the midst of the natives, almost upsetting one of them.

The tub went down, and Charlie turned a handspring in the hot suds and came up covered with foam and wet clothes.

Well have no end of good times, said Bob, trying to turn a handspring on the grass, but tumbling down in the effort.

Monsieur Call bowed to everyone, including little Artaban, who acknowledged his courtesy by executing a handspring.

Had he not been on his skates he would have attempted a handspring in the exuberance of his spirits.

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