pétanque
[ pey-tahngk; French pe-tahnk ]
/ peɪˈtɑŋk; French pɛˈtɑ̃k /
noun
a form of lawn bowling originating in France, usually played on rough ground using steel balls.
Also called
boule.
Origin of pétanque
1950–55; < French < Provençal
pé foot (< Latin
ped-, stem of
pēs) +
tanco post, stake (derivative of
tancar to close, bar < Vulgar Latin
*stanticāre; see
stanch1); so called because the feet are to be planted firmly on the ground, as if staked, when the ball is released
Words nearby pétanque
pérez de cuéllar,
pérez galdós,
périgord,
périgueux,
pétain,
pétanque,
pétillant,
pétrissage,
pêche melba,
pílion,
pílos
British Dictionary definitions for petanque
Word Origin for pétanque
from Provençal
pèd tanco foot fixed (to the ground)