v. & n.
--v.
1. intr. move about rhythmically alone or with a partner or in a set, usu. in fixed steps or sequences to music, for pleasure or as entertainment.
2 intr. move in a lively way; skip or jump about.
3 tr. a perform (a specified dance or form of dancing). b perform (a specified role) in a ballet etc.
4 intr. move up and down (on water, in the field of vision, etc.).
5 tr. move (esp. a child) up and down; dandle.
--n.
1. a a piece of dancing; a sequence of steps in dancing. b a special form of this.
2 a single round or turn of a dance.
3 a social gathering for dancing, a ball.
4 a piece of music for dancing to or in a dance rhythm.
5 a dancing or lively motion.
Phrases and idioms:
dance attendance on follow or wait on (a person) obsequiously. dance of death a medieval dance in which a personified Death is represented as leading all to the grave. dance to a person's tune accede obsequiously to a person's demands and wishes. lead a person a dance (or merry dance) Brit. cause a person much trouble in following a course one has instigated.
Derivatives:
danceable adj.
Etymology: ME f. OF dance, danse (n.), dancer, danser (v.), f. Rmc, of unkn. orig.