hornpipe

hornpipe is defined in Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (1913) with 1 sense. The full text of each entry is reproduced verbatim below.

Definitions

  1. 1.(a) An instrument of music formerly popular in Wales, consisting of a wooden pipe, with holes at intervals. It was so called because the bell at the open end was sometimes made of horn. (b) A lively tune played on a hornpipe, for dancing; a tune adapted for such playing. Many a hornpipe he tuned to his Phyllis. Sir W. Raleigh. (c) A dance performed, usually by one person, to such a tune, and popular among sailors.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

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