high-stepping

The compound adjective 'high-stepping' is a transparent formation from native English elements. The adverb 'high', with its ancient Germanic roots conveying elevation, modifies the action of the verb 'step', which originates from a Proto-Germanic verb meaning to tread or pace. The '-ing' suffix, also of Old English origin, converts this verbal phrase into an adjective describing the manner of movement. Originally and literally applied to the gait of horses, the term's semantic logic extended metaphorically to describe people exhibiting a similarly showy, lively, or proud bearing, lifting their feet or carrying themselves with conspicuous energy.

Structure: high (elevated) + step (move the foot) + ing (adjective-forming suffix) - high: From Old English hēah, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch hoog and German hoch. In this compound, it functions as an adverb modifying the verb 'step'. - step: From Old English steppan, stæppan, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch stappen and German stapfen. It is the core verb root meaning to move by lifting the foot. - ing: A suffix from Old English -ende, -inge, used to form present participles and adjectives from verbs, indicating the action or quality of the verb.