n., adj., & v.
--n. also disp.
1. an atmosphere or tendency characterized by a sense of remoteness from or idealization of everyday life.
2 a a prevailing sense of wonder or mystery surrounding the mutual attraction in a love affair. b sentimental or idealized love. c a love affair.
3 a a literary genre with romantic love or highly imaginative unrealistic episodes forming the central theme. b a work of this genre.
4 a medieval tale, usu. in verse, of some hero of chivalry, of the kind common in the Romance languages.
5 a exaggeration or picturesque falsehood. b an instance of this.
6 (Romance) the languages descended from Latin regarded collectively.
7 Mus. a short informal piece.
--adj. (Romance) of any of the languages descended from Latin (French, Italian, Spanish, etc.).
--v.
1. intr. exaggerate or distort the truth, esp. fantastically.
2 tr. court, woo.
Etymology: ME f. OF romanz, -ans, -ance, ult. f. L Romanicus ROMANIC