double time

¹

noun

1. U.S. Army.,  the fastest rate of marching troops, a slow jog in which 180 paces, each of 3 feet (0.9 meters), are taken in a minute.

2. a slow run by troops in step.

3. a rate of overtime pay that is twice the regular wage rate.

double-time

²

[duhb-uhl-tahym]

verb (used with object)

double-timed, double-timing 

1. to cause to move in double time.

   Double-time the troops to the mess hall.

verb (used without object)

double-timed, double-timing 

1. to move in double time.

double time

noun

1. a doubled wage rate, paid for working on public holidays, etc

2. music

   1. a time twice as fast as an earlier section

   2. two beats per bar

3. a slow running pace, keeping in step

4. army a fast march of 180 paces to the minute

verb

1. to move or cause to move in double time

Word History and Origins

Origin of double time¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Origin of double time²

First recorded in 1850–55