Atiptoe

//əˈtɪptəʊ// adj, adv

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    On tiptoe; moving or standing on the tips of one's toes. not-comparable

    "[S]he swept back with her hand the hem of her dress, and showed one little foot atiptoe behind the heel of the other."

  2. 2
    In a state of anticipation; keenly awaiting. figuratively, not-comparable

    "O could I meete andrea, now my blouds a tiptoe. / This hand and ſword ſhould melt him: / Valliant Don Pedro."

Adverb
  1. 1
    On tiptoe; on the tips of one's toes in order to move quietly or to stand taller. not-comparable

    "[T]he gate of going of Fortune ſeems quick and faſt, her ſpirit great, and courage proud, her hopes high and haughty: ſhe over-goeth Vertue, and approacheth neer at hand already; not mounting and lifting up her ſelfe now with her light and flight wings, not ſtanding a tiptoe upon a round ball or boule commeth ſhe wavering and doubtful; and then goeth her way afterwards in diſcontentment and diſpleasure: […]"

  2. 2
    Quietly, and little by little. figuratively, not-comparable

    "Don't you ſee that Moor who comes a tiptoe creeping and ſtealing along with his finger in his mouth behind Meliſandra? Hear what a ſmack he gives on her ſweet lips, and ſee how ſhe ſpits and wipes her mouth with her white ſmock-ſleeve!"

  3. 3
    Without retreating from adversity, confrontation, or danger; standing tall; bravely, proudly, unyieldingly. figuratively, not-comparable

    "This day is call'd the Feaſt of Criſpian: / He that out-liues this day, and comes ſafe home, / Will ſtand a tip-toe when this day is nam'd, / And rowſe him at the Name of Criſpian."

  4. 4
    In a state of anticipation; keenly awaiting. figuratively, not-comparable

    "Consider therefore if, on this Wednesday morning, there is an affluence of Patriotism; if Paris stands a-tiptoe, and all Deputies are at their post! […] Meanwhile expectant Patriotism and Paris standing a-tiptoe, have need of patience."

Etymology

Etymology 1

From a- (prefix meaning ‘at; in; on’, used to show a condition, manner, or state) + tiptoe.

Etymology 2

From a- (prefix meaning ‘at; in; on’, used to show a condition, manner, or state) + tiptoe.

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