strathspey

American  

[strath-spay, strath-spay] / 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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

strathspey

After the second minuet the Queen and all the company returned to the ball-room, where two other minuets, those of Lady Jersey and Lady Chesterfield, were danced, and between them was given Lady Breadalbane's strathspey.

From Life of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen — Volume 2 by Sarah Tytler

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 George MacDonald

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 Amelia Edith Huddleston Barr

What roars of laughter there was as, keeping time to a heart-stirring strathspey, the litle lady cracked her thumbs and danced, reeling, setting, and deeking! roars of laughter, and genuine hearty applause as well.

From Our Home in the Silver West A Story of Struggle and Adventure by Gordon Stables

No one could sing a Scotch song with more humor, and few of the lads and lassies could match Peter in a blithe foursome reel or a rattling strathspey.

From Winter Evening Tales by Amelia Edith Huddleston Barr

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