pedetentous

P3E1D2E1T1E1N1T1O1U1S1
/ˌpɛdɪˈtɛntəs/

adjective

Proceeding step by step; advancing cautiously.

OriginLatin pes →
Scrabble 14
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Meanings

adjectivepedetentous (not comparable)
  1. not comparableobsoleteProceeding step by step; advancing cautiously.

    that pedetentous pace and pedetentous mind in which it behooves the wise and virtuous improver to walk

    1838, Sydney Smith, Lord John Russell

Origin

  1. Latinpes
  2. Englishpedetentous

From Latin pes, pedis (“foot”) + tendō (“to stretch out”). Compare Latin tentim (“by degrees”).

More words from Latin

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

pedetentous. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/pedetentous

MLA

“pedetentous.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/pedetentous. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “pedetentous,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/pedetentous.

Source: pedetentous on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.