Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CAR'A-COL, n. [Fr. caracole, a wheeling about; Sp. caracol, a small cone, a winding staircase, a snail; It. caracollo, a wheeling.]

1. In the manege, a semi-round, or half turn which a horseman makes, either to the right or left. In the army, the cavalry make a caracol after each discharge, in order to pass to the rear of the squadron. – Encyc.
2. In architecture, a staircase in a helix or spiral form. – Encyc.