Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for TA-REN'TISM, or TA-RAN'TISM
TAR-EDTA-REN'TU-LA, or TA-RAN'TU-LA
TA-REN'TISM, or TA-RAN'TISM, n. [L. tarentismus, from tarentum.]
A fabulous disease, supposed to be produced by the bite of a certain spider, the Lycosa Tarentula, and considered to be incapable of cure except by protracted dancing to appropriate music. On some subjects the bite of the tarentula produces no effect; and on others it is about equal to the sting of a wasp.
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