pas
UK[pɑː]US[pɑː]
n
A step in dancing, especially in ballet.
n
Precedence or the right of precedence.
Etymology
The English word 'pas' is a direct borrowing from French, where it means 'step'. Its origin traces back to the Latin noun 'passus', meaning 'a step, pace, or stride', which itself is derived from the verb 'pandere', meaning 'to stretch, spread out'. The semantic journey is straightforward: from the physical act of stretching one's leg to take a step, to the specific, formalized step in ballet. The secondary meaning relating to social precedence or right of way also stems from the idea of who has the right to take the next step or go first.
Analysis
This word is a direct loanword from French and is not productively segmented using English morphemes.
Examples
The dancer executed a complex pas with remarkable grace.
In the social hierarchy of the court, the ambassador was given the pas.
The choreography features a famous pas de deux from the second act.