The Collaborative International Dictionary
Pedetentous
Pedetentous \Ped`e*ten"tous\, a. [L. pes, pedis, foot + tendere to stretch out: cf. L. tentim by degrees.] Proceeding step by step; advancing cautiously. [R.]
That pedetentous pace and pedetentous mind in which it
behooves the wise and virtuous improver to walk.
--Sydney
Smith.
Wiktionary
pedetentous
a. (context obsolete English) Proceeding step by step; advancing cautiously.