strathspey

American  

[strath-spey, strath-spey] / ˌstræθˈspeɪ, ˈstræθˌspeɪ /

noun

1. a slow Scottish dance in quadruple meter.

2. the music for this dance.

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strathspey British  

/ ˌstræθˈspeɪ /

noun

1. a Scottish dance with gliding steps, slower than a reel

2. a piece of music in four-four time composed for this dance

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Etymology

Origin of strathspey

First recorded in 1645–55; after Strath Spey, the valley of the river Spey in Scotland

Example Sentences

There was quite a large company there, very well employed in practicing the steps of a new strathspey, and others in exhibiting their special bits of splendor.

From Christine A Fife Fisher Girl by Barr, Amelia Edith Huddleston

Suddenly the soutar started off at full speed in a strathspey, which was soon lost in the wail of a Highland psalm-tune, giving place in its turn to 'Sic a wife as Willie had!'

From Robert Falconer by MacDonald, George

Something of the lilt of a Scotch strathspey to 't, shouldn't you say?

From Wide Courses by Connolly, James B. (James Brendan)

The young student was inquisitive about Waverley's campaigns, and the manners of the Highlands; and Edward was obliged to satisfy his curiosity by whistling a pibroch, dancing a strathspey, and singing a Highland song.

From Waverley: or, 'Tis sixty years since by Scott, Walter, Sir

Donaldson sat on a log, contentedly smoking his pipe, while Ringan, whistling a strathspey, attended to the horses.

From Salute to Adventurers by Buchan, John