Morris dance

Morris dance
Dance Dance, n. [F. danse, of German origin. See {Dance}, v. i.] 1. The leaping, tripping, or measured stepping of one who dances; an amusement, in which the movements of the persons are regulated by art, in figures and in accord with music. [1913 Webster]

2. (Mus.) A tune by which dancing is regulated, as the minuet, the waltz, the cotillon, etc. [1913 Webster]

Note: The word dance was used ironically, by the older writers, of many proceedings besides dancing. [1913 Webster]

Of remedies of love she knew parchance For of that art she couth the olde dance. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

{Dance of Death} (Art), an allegorical representation of the power of death over all, -- the old, the young, the high, and the low, being led by a dancing skeleton.

{Morris dance}. See {Morris}.

{To lead one a dance}, to cause one to go through a series of movements or experiences as if guided by a partner in a dance not understood. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • Morris Dance — On danse du morris à la Fête du Coucou dans le Wiltshire La Morris dance est une danse traditionnelle anglaise qui faisait partie autrefois des processions et autres fêtes célébrant surtout le mois de mai. Elle est attribuée aux Berbères. Le nom… …   Wikipédia en Français

  • morris dance — (n.) mid 15c., moreys daunce Moorish dance, from Flem. mooriske dans, from O.Fr. morois Moorish, Arab, black, from More Moor (see MOOR (Cf. Moor)). Unknown why the English dance was called this, unless in reference to fantastic dancing or… …   Etymology dictionary

  • Morris dance — Cotswold morris with handkerchiefs Morris dance is a form of English folk dance usually accompanied by music. It is based on rhythmic stepping and the execution of choreographed figures by a group of dancers. Implements such as sticks, swords,… …   Wikipedia

  • morris dance —    The most widely known ceremonial *dance form in England, although the name includes a range of types and styles. The common features are that the dancers were almost invariably male, wore a special costume, and they danced for display on… …   A Dictionary of English folklore

  • morris dance — /mawr is, mor / a rural folk dance of north English origin, performed in costume traditionally by men who originally represented characters of the Robin Hood legend, esp. in May Day festivities. Also called morris. [1425 75; late ME moreys daunce …   Universalium

  • Morris dance — On danse du morris à la Fête du Coucou dans le Wiltshire La Morris dance est une danse traditionnelle anglaise qui faisait partie autrefois des processions et autres fêtes célébrant surtout le mois de mai. Destinée à l origine à célébrer l… …   Wikipédia en Français

  • morris dance — Morisco Mo*ris co, n. [Sp. morisco Moorish.] A thing of Moorish origin; as: (a) The Moorish language. (b) A Moorish dance, now called {morris dance}. Marston. (c) One who dances the Moorish dance. Shak. (d) Moresque decoration or architecture.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • morris dance — noun a traditional English dance performed outdoors by groups of dancers wearing costumes with small bells attached and carrying handkerchiefs or sticks. Derivatives morris dancer noun morris dancing noun Origin ME: morris from morys, var. of… …   English new terms dictionary

  • morris dance — n. a traditional English dance by groups of people in fancy costume, usu. as characters in legend, with ribbons and bells. Derivatives: morris dancer n. morris dancing n. Etymology: morys, var. of MOORISH …   Useful english dictionary

  • morris dance — /ˈmɒrəs dæns/ (say moruhs dans) noun a folk dance, performed by persons in costume, often representing personages of the Robin Hood legend, formerly common in England, especially in May Day festivities. Also, morris. {late Middle English moreys… …  

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