noun
mincing steps; short quick steps
Describes walking with small, rapid steps, often in a restrained or delicate manner.
彼女は小足で急いだ。
She hurried with mincing steps.
小足で歩く姿が可愛らしい。
The way she walks with short quick steps is charming.
Compound of 小 (small) and 足 (foot/step). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the meaning is transparent from its components.