clopiner

A gentle, slightly literary verb for walking with a slow, uneven, hobbling gait — often used for an elderly person, someone injured, or an animal. Softer and less clinical than boiter (to limp), which can describe any limp regardless of pace.

• Le vieil homme clopinait le long du chemin avec sa canne. — The old man hobbled slowly along the path with his cane.
• Le chien clopinait sur trois pattes après l'accident. — The dog hobbled along on three legs after the accident.
• Elle clopinait encore un peu à cause de son entorse. — She was still limping along slightly because of her sprain.

Clopiner suggests a slow, halting shuffle, often with sympathy or gentleness in tone — boiter is the neutral, general word for limping regardless of speed or cause.

Often confused with boiter.