Etymology Borrowed from French ballet, from Italian balletto (“short dance, ballet”), diminutive form of ballo (“group dance”) (cognate with Old French bal, whence English ball), from Late Latin ballō (“to dance”). By surface analysis, ball + -et.
9. Peter West, Ar. bears sable Ballets argent a Lyon Rampant.1741, Richard Izacke, Remarkable Antiquities of the City of Exeter … by Richard Izacke … Second Edition:
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Figuratively Any intricate series of operations involving coordination between individuals.
Food preparation on a potager no doubt became a kitchen ballet in which pans were constantly shifted, coals constantly replenished, and grates shaken out.1990, Historic Preservation: Quarterly of the National Council for Historic Sites and Buildings, volumes 42-43:
Henry Payton joined Alan on the sidelines during the conclusion of the oddly delicate ballet known as On-Scene Investigation.1991, Stephen King, Needful Things:
Etymology Borrowed from French ballet, from Italian balletto (“short dance, ballet”), diminutive form of ballo (“group dance”) (cognate with Old French bal, whence English ball), from Late Latin ballō (“to dance”). By surface analysis, ball + -et.
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To perform an action reminiscent of ballet dancing.
Situations that typically require longer iliac limbs than the measurements suggest include extreme iliac tortuosity, “balleting” of the limbs (Endurant and Excluder) (Fig. 90-3), and the need to extend to the external iliac arteries. It these anatomic circumstances, it is prudent to choose a longer length when in doubt.2014 Rutherford's Vascular Surgery E-Book - Page 1340
Unfortunately, he could only sustain so much abuse. Footfalls approached. Kanoa's lips smacked and his jaw hung open. His eyelids fluttered, their underlying gaze balleting without clarity. He felt beyond sick, and his world spun immensely. A garbled voice of incoherency seemed to be his only link to this realm of consciousness.2016, Jacob Russell Dring, Endless the Chase:
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Frankie's obviously going to ballet her way to the trophy.2017, Num Nums, “A Total Bust a Move”, in The ZhuZhus: