morris dance

American  

[mawr-is, mor-] / ˈmɔr ɪs, ˈmɒr- /

noun

1. 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.

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morris dance British  

/ ˈmɒrɪs /

noun

1. Often shortened to: morris.  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

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Other Word Forms

• morris dancing
  noun

Etymology

Origin of morris dance

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

Example Sentences

We might have to do a big conga line, a big morris dance down to see Dolly.

From BBC • Jun. 24, 2014

There is his dad, watching a morris dance on some distant lawn.

From The Guardian • Jun. 13, 2010

The Celtic players are in a big circle doing a few odd moves that wouldn't look out of place in a morris dance.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2010

"The show," they said, "will open with a big choreographed morris dance number set to a disco adaptation of William Blake's Jerusalem".

From The Guardian • Apr. 8, 2010

Will Walford—who among the dramatis personae of the morris dance had performed the rôle of Robin Hood—next presented himself to receive his chapter of instructions.

From The White Gauntlet by Reid, Mayne