friskals

English

Alternative forms

• friscals, friskles

Etymology

Apparently the plural of *friskal (“a playful leap or jump”), from frisk (“brisk and lively movement”) + -al. Compare frisco.

Noun

friskals pl (plural only)

1. (obsolete) Leapings; capers.
   • 1622, The Life of Guzman de Alfarache:

     Lay but the raynes on her necke, to take too and seeke not to hold her in, there is no ho with her; then much liberty shall you see what friskals shee will fetch, leape, fling, and flie out, that no ground shall hold her.

   • 1631, Ben Jonson, Chloridia:

     Ixion […] turn'd dancer, does nothing but cut capreols, fetch friskals, and leads lavaltoes

   • 1923, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, translated by Thomas Shelton, The History of Don Quixote of the Mancha, modernised spelling edition:

     And, saying so, he gave two or three friskals in the air with very great signs of contentment, and presently went to Dorotea, and taking her mule by the bridle he withheld it, […]