Risley act

noun

Ris·​ley act
ˈrizlē-
: a circus act in which an acrobat lying on his back juggles barrels or fellow acrobats with his feet

Word History

Etymology

after the Risley family, 19th century circus trio consisting of Richard Risley Carlisle †1874 American gymnast and circus performer and his two sons

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Dictionary Entries Near Risley act

Cite this Entry

“Risley act.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Risley%20act. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

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