‖ à terre, advb. and adj. phr.
(a tɛr)
[Fr.]
On the ground; spec. in Ballet. Also fig. (cf. terre-à-terre).
| 1922 Beaumont & Idzikowski Man. Class. Theatr. Dancing 19 When the entire base of the foot touches the ground, the foot is said to be à terre. If we speak of..the third position, etc. it is understood that the position is à terre, that is, with both feet flat on the ground. 1926 D. H. Lawrence Plumed Serp. ix. 149 Without aim or purpose, they lived absolutely à terre, down on the dark, volcanic earth. 1951 Ballet Ann. V. 138/2 One dancer indeed is so indifferent that while the position demands that the corps de ballet should be on pointe, she is firmly à terre. 1961 Times 13 Apr. 16/7 She has a lightness and effortless purity, à terre and in elevation. |