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

Now came the morris dance, with the antique dress and strange attitudes of the performers, which was succeeded by a dance of warriors in their coats of mail, and with their swords drawn.

From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland Volume 17 by Wilson, John Mackay