Dance of Death

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. [1913 Webster]

2. (Mus.) A tune by which dancing is regulated, as the minuet, the waltz, the cotillon, etc. [1913 Webster]

Note: The word dance was used ironically, by the older writers, of many proceedings besides dancing. [1913 Webster]

Of remedies of love she knew parchance For of that art she couth the olde dance. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

{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. [1913 Webster]