English

Verb

make a leg

1. (idiomatic, Britain) To make a deep bow with the right leg drawn back.
   • c. 1595, William Shakespeare, Richard II, act 3, scene 3:

     King Richard II: What must the king do now? must he submit? . . .

     What says King Bolingbroke? will his majesty

     Give Richard leave to live till Richard die?

     You make a leg, and Bolingbroke says ay.

   • 1870, Charles Dickens, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, chapter 18:

     "I beg pardon," said Mr. Datchery, making a leg with his hat under his arm, as he addressed himself equally to both gentlemen.

   • 1880, R. D. Blackmore, Mary Anerley: A Yorkshire Tale, chapter 26:

     "Father, return thanks; make a leg—no man can do it better. Master Mordacks, you shall have our utmost duty."

Synonyms

• bow and scrape

Translations