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Webster 1913 Edition
Tarantella
Tarˊan-tel′la
,Noun.
[It.]
(Mus.)
(a)
A rapid and delirious sort of Neapolitan dance in 6-8 time, which moves in whirling triplets; – so called from a popular notion of its being a remedy against the poisonous bite of the tarantula. Some derive its name from Taranto in Apulia.
(b)
Music suited to such a dance.