— dancingly , adv.
/dans, dahns/ , v. , danced, dancing , n.
v.i.
1. to move one's feet or body, or both, rhythmically in a pattern of steps, esp. to the accompaniment of music.
2. to leap, skip, etc., as from excitement or emotion; move nimbly or quickly: to dance with joy.
3. to bob up and down: The toy sailboats danced on the pond.
v.t.
4. to perform or take part in (a dance): to dance a waltz.
5. to cause to dance: He danced her around the ballroom.
6. to cause to be in a specified condition by dancing: She danced her way to stardom.
7. dance attendance . See attendance (def. 4).
8. dance on air , Slang. to be hanged.
9. dance to another tune , to change one's behavior, attitudes, etc.
n.
10. a successive group of rhythmical steps or bodily motions, or both, usually executed to music.
11. an act or round of dancing; set: May I have this dance?
12. the art of dancing: to study dance.
13. a social gathering or party for dancing; ball: Was he invited to the dance?
14. a piece of music suited in rhythm or style to a particular form of dancing: He liked the composer's country dances.
15. Animal Behav. a stylized pattern of movements performed by an animal, as a bird in courtship display, or an insect, as a honeybee in indicating a source of nectar.
16. the dance , ballet, interpretive dancing, and other dancing of an artistic nature performed by professional dancers before an audience.
[ 1250-1300; (v.) ME da ( u ) ncen dancer, dauncer, OF dancier, perh. dansjan to lead (someone) to a dance; (n.) ME da ( u ) nce dance, deriv. of dancier ]
Syn. 2. cavort, caper, frolic, gambol, prance.