waltz

waltz [wôlts]

n.

[abbrev. < Ger walzer < walzen, to roll, dance about, waltz: for IE base see WALK]

1. a ballroom dance for couples, in moderate 3/4 time with marked accent on the first beat of the measure

2. music for this dance or in its characteristic rhythm

3. Informal a thing easy to do; esp., an easy victory in a contest

adj.

of, for, or characteristic of a waltz

vi.

1. to dance a waltz

2. to move lightly and nimbly; whirl

3. Informal

a) to proceed effortlessly, indifferently, etc. [to waltz through life]

b) to win easily (with in)

vt.

1. to dance with in a waltz

2. to take and lead peremptorily

waltzer

n.