morris dance

[ mawr-is, mor- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a rural folk dance of north English origin, performed in costume traditionally by men who originally represented characters of the Robin Hood legend, especially in May Day festivities.

morris dance

/ ˈmɒrɪs /

any of various old English folk dances usually performed by men ( morris men ) to the accompaniment of violin, concertina, etc. The dancers are adorned with bells and often represent characters from folk tales Often shortened tomorris

1425–75; late Middle English moreys daunce Moorish dance; Moorish

C15 moreys daunce Moorish dance. See Moor

A May-pole was an abomination equalled only in atrocity by a "Whitsun-ale" or a "Morris-dance."

They drew up before the house and danced their morris-dance for us.

It was an old English dance, called a "Morris Dance," with a lilt and a tilt which set all feet a-going.

The lads and lassies sang carols, played at such games as kiss-in-the-ring, and danced the morris dance.

The tantara changes to a graceful and yet hilarious dance chorus, “A Morris Dance must you entrance,” sung fortissimo.

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