Emily Dickinson Lexicon

dance (-d, -ing, -s), v. [OFr dance-r.] (webplay: down, leap, sound, tune, up).

1. Float; flitter; move in the wind; fall in a delicate pattern; (see 1 Samuel 18:6).
2. Glide; sail; sweep; fly through the air; [fig.] move in a circle; make an orbit.
3. Keep time; move up and down; go back and forward in measured steps; [fig.] show a heart beat; breathe in and out rhythmically.
4. Turn; spin; glide; pirouette; perform ballet; move with metrical movement.
5. Jump; leap; skip; act energetically; run erratically; move upward and outward; [fig.] rejoice; exult; jubilate; jump for joy.
6. Carol; circle; move around in a ring; travel in a pattern of steps; [metaphor] sing; hum; make music; [fig.] measure; count; keep time.
7. Move freely; step in time; [fig.] live fully.
8. Circulate; flow freely; [fig.] go throughout the body.