[or.ches.tra] n [L, fr. Gk orchestra, fr. orcheisthai to dance; perh. akin to Skt rghayati he trembles, he rages] (1606) 1 a: the circular space used by the chorus in front of the proscenium in an ancient Greek theater b: a corresponding semicircular space in a Roman theater used for seating important persons
2. a: the space in front of the stage in a modern theater that is used by an orchestra b: the forward section of seats on the main floor of a theater c: the main floor of a theater
3: a group of musicians including esp. string players organized to perform ensemble music--compare band