■ verb ( ~s , ~ping , ~ped )
1》 catch one's foot on something and stumble or fall.
2》 ( ~ up ) make a mistake.
↘( ~ someone up ) detect or expose someone in a mistake or inconsistency.
3》 walk, run, or dance with quick light steps.
↘(of words) flow lightly and easily: a name which ~s off the tongue.
4》 activate (a mechanism), especially by contact with a switch.
↘(of part of an electric circuit) disconnect automatically as a safety measure.
5》 Nautical release and raise (an anchor) from the seabed by means of a cable.
↘turn (a yard or other object) from a horizontal to a vertical position for lowering.
6》 informal experience hallucinations induced by taking a psychedelic drug, especially LSD.
7》 go on a short journey.
■ noun
1》 a journey or excursion, especially for pleasure.
2》 an instance of ~ping.
3》 informal a hallucinatory experience caused by taking a psychedelic drug.
↘a self-indulgent attitude or activity: a power ~.
4》 a device that ~s a mechanism, circuit, etc.
5》 archaic a light, lively movement of a person's feet.
Phrases
~ the light fantastic humorous dance. [from ‘Trip it as you go On the light fantastic toe’ (Milton's L'Allegro ).]
Origin
ME: from OFr. ~er , from MDu. ~pen 'to skip, hop'.