sb. [f. It. trampoli stilts: cf. trampolare ‘to go on stilts or high startops’ (Florio, 1598).] A performance on stilts; also attrib. Hence Trampolin(e v., intr. to walk on or as on stilts. Also Trampolino: see quot. 1912.
1798. Times, 28 June, 7/1. Equestrian Performances with Oranges, Forks, Skipping Rope, Hat, Handkerchief, and a curious Equilibrium with a Hoop and Glass. Wonderful Trampolin Tricks, by Messrs. Smith [etc.].
1833. M. Scott, Tom Cringle, xi. [At the Negro Carnival] Then another tumblification of the whole party…. Another trampoline.
1867. H. Kingsley, Silcote of Silcotes, xiii. She trampolining away to Hampstead with the children.
1912. Anne E. George, Montessori Method, ix. 141. One of the things invented by Séguin to develop the lower limbs … is the trampolino. This is a kind of swing, having a very wide seat.
