Dictionary

To raise on stilts, or as if on stilts

Making use of or possessing a stilt or stilts, or things resembling stilts; raised on stilts.

Elevated or raised in a contrived or unnatural way; stiff and artificially formal or pompous; also, depending on redundant, unnecessary elements.

Example: He gave a stilted bow and left.

Of a building or architectural feature such as an arch or vault: supported by stilts; also (generally) having the main part raised above the usual level by some structure.