Hypertext Webster Gateway: "dance"
From Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary (easton)
Dance
found in Judg. 21:21, 23; Ps. 30:11; 149:3; 150:4; Jer. 31:4,
13, etc., as the translation of _hul_, which points to the
whirling motion of Oriental sacred dances. It is the rendering
of a word (rakad') which means to skip or leap for joy, in Eccl.
3:4; Job 21:11; Isa. 13:21, etc.
In the New Testament it is in like manner the translation of
different Greek words, circular motion (Luke 15:25); leaping up
and down in concert (Matt. 11:17), and by a single person (Matt.
14:6).
It is spoken of as symbolical of rejoicing (Eccl. 3:4. Comp.
Ps. 30:11; Matt. 11: 17). The Hebrews had their sacred dances
expressive of joy and thanksgiving, when the performers were
usually females (Ex. 15:20; 1 Sam. 18:6).
The ancient dance was very different from that common among
Western nations. It was usually the part of the women only (Ex.
15:20; Judg. 11:34; comp. 5:1). Hence the peculiarity of David's
conduct in dancing before the ark of the Lord (2 Sam. 6:14). The
women took part in it with their timbrels. Michal should, in
accordance with the example of Miriam and others, have herself
led the female choir, instead of keeping aloof on the occasion
and "looking through the window." David led the choir
"uncovered", i.e., wearing only the ephod or linen tunic. He
thought only of the honour of God, and forgot himself.
From being reserved for occasions of religious worship and
festivity, it came gradually to be practised in common life on
occasions of rejoicing (Jer. 31:4). The sexes among the Jews
always danced separately. The daughter of Herodias danced alone
(Matt. 14:6).
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Dance \Dance\, v. t.
To cause to dance, or move nimbly or merrily about, or up and
down; to dandle.
To dance our ringlets to the whistling wind. --Shak.
Thy grandsire loved thee well; Many a time he danced
thee on his knee. --Shak.
{To dance attendance}, to come and go obsequiously; to be or
remain in waiting, at the beck and call of another, with a
view to please or gain favor.
A man of his place, and so near our favor, To dance
attendance on their lordships' pleasure. --Shak.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Dance \Dance\ (d[.a]ns), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Danced}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Dancing}.] [F. danser, fr. OHG. dans[=o]n to draw;
akin to dinsan to draw, Goth. apinsan, and prob. from the
same root (meaning to stretch) as E. thin. See {Thin}.]
1. To move with measured steps, or to a musical
accompaniment; to go through, either alone or in company
with others, with a regulated succession of movements,
(commonly) to the sound of music; to trip or leap
rhythmically.
Jack shall pipe and Gill shall dance. --Wither.
Good shepherd, what fair swain is this Which dances
with your daughter? --Shak.
2. To move nimbly or merrily; to express pleasure by motion;
to caper; to frisk; to skip about.
Then, 'tis time to dance off. --Thackeray.
More dances my rapt heart Than when I first my
wedded mistress saw. --Shak.
Shadows in the glassy waters dance. --Byron.
Where rivulets dance their wayward round.
--Wordsworth.
{To dance on a rope}, or {To dance on nothing}, to be hanged.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
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.
2. (Mus.) A tune by which dancing is regulated, as the
minuet, the waltz, the cotillon, etc.
Note: The word dance was used ironically, by the older
writers, of many proceedings besides dancing.
Of remedies of love she knew parchance For of
that art she couth the olde dance. --Chaucer.
{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.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
dance
n 1: an artistic form of nonverbal communication
2: a party of people assembled for dancing
3: taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time
to music [syn: {dancing}, {terpsichore}]
v 1: move in a graceful and rhythmical way; "The young girl
danced into the room"
2: move in a pattern; usually to musical accompaniment; do or
perform a dance; "My husband and I like to dance at home
to the radio" [syn: {trip the light fantastic}]
3: skip, leap, or move up and down or sideways; "Dancing
flames"; "The children danced with joy"
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