"pertaining to dancing," 1869, lit. "of Terpsichore," from L. form of Gk
Terpsikhore, muse of dancing and dramatic chorus. Hence theatrical slang
terp "stage dancer, chorus girl" (1937). Her name is lit. "enjoyment of dance," from
terpein "to delight" (from PIE base
*terp- "to satisfy;" cf. Skt.
trpyati "takes one's fill," Lith.
tarpstu "to thrive, prosper") +
khoros "dance, chorus" (see
chorus).