STRIDE

I. verb (strode; stridden; striding) Etymology: Middle English, from Old English strīdan; akin to Middle Low German ~n to straddle, Old High German strītan to quarrel Date: before 12th century intransitive verb to stand a~, to move with or as if with long steps , to take a very long step, transitive verb be~ , straddle , to step over, to move over or along with or as if with long measured steps , ~r noun II. noun Date: before 12th century 1. a cycle of locomotor movements (as of a horse) completed when the feet regain the initial relative positions, the most effective natural pace ; maximum competence or capability, a long step, an act of striding, a stage of progress ; advance , a manner of striding, ~ piano