nautch

[ nawch ]

noun

1. (in India) an exhibition of dancing by professional dancing girls.
2. Also called nautch dance. a sinuous Oriental dance resembling the cooch.

nautch

/ nɔːtʃ /

noun

1. 1. an intricate traditional Indian dance performed by professional dancing girls
   2. ( as modifier )

      a nautch girl

Word History and Origins

Origin of nautch¹

1800–10; < Hindi nāch < Prakrit nachcha dancing

Word History and Origins

Origin of nautch¹

C18: from Hindi nāc, from Sanskrit nrtya, from nrtyati he acts or dances

Example Sentences

In native national life the Nautch play a large part, and legend has a great deal to say about them.

From Project Gutenberg

Moreover, she danced and sang more beautifully than any of the other Nautch girls.

From Project Gutenberg

And this is the famous nautch at which the Indian will gaze with rapture all night.

From Project Gutenberg

Behind him came a Nautch girl, at whom Umballa gazed puzzledly.

From Project Gutenberg

It happened in the town where the merchant lived there was a very accomplished Nautch girl, named Champa Ranee.

From Project Gutenberg