I. ˈgambəl, ˈgaam- noun
( -s )
Etymology: earlier gambolde, gambalde, modification of Middle French gambade spring of a horse, gambol, probably from (assumed) Old Provençal gambada, cambada (whence Provençal gambado, cambado ), from Old Provençal camba leg, from Late Latin gamba, camba hock (of a horse), leg, modification of Greek kampē bend — more at camp
: a skipping or leaping about in play : a frolicking movement
Synonyms: see play II
II. intransitive verb
( gamboled or gambolled ; gamboled or gambolled ; gamboling or gambolling -b(ə)liŋ ; gambols )
: to bound or spring as in dancing or play : skip about : frisk , cavort
Synonyms: see play