Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Dance \Dance\ (d[.a]ns), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Danced}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Dancing}.] [F. danser, fr. OHG. dans[=o]n to draw;
   akin to dinsan to draw, Goth. apinsan, and prob. from the
   same root (meaning to stretch) as E. thin. See {Thin}.]
   1. To move with measured steps, or to a musical
      accompaniment; to go through, either alone or in company
      with others, with a regulated succession of movements,
      (commonly) to the sound of music; to trip or leap
      rhythmically.

            Jack shall pipe and Gill shall dance. --Wither.

            Good shepherd, what fair swain is this Which dances
            with your daughter?                   --Shak.

   2. To move nimbly or merrily; to express pleasure by motion;
      to caper; to frisk; to skip about.

            Then, 'tis time to dance off.         --Thackeray.

            More dances my rapt heart Than when I first my
            wedded mistress saw.                  --Shak.

            Shadows in the glassy waters dance.   --Byron.

            Where rivulets dance their wayward round.
                                                  --Wordsworth.

   {To dance on a rope}, or {To dance on nothing}, to be hanged.