A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1971 (DOST Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Moris-dauns, Moreis-dans, -dance, Morice-dance, n. [Late ME. moreys-daunce (1458), e.m.E. mourice-dance (1494), morres- (1510), morrice-dance (1553), etc.: cf. Flem. mooriske dans, Du. Moorsche dans, F. danse moresque.] A ‘Moorish’ dance, a dance performed by persons disguised as blackamoors or a similar grotesque dance in fancy dress; a morrisdance. —1501–2 Treas. Acc. II. 135.
To the men that brocht in the morice dance, and to thair menstralis 1503–4 Ib. 414.
To Colin Campbell and his marowis that brocht in the moris dauns 15.. Christis Kirk 48 (B).
[He] vp tuk moreis dans Full lowd Ib. 58 (M).
Vp the moreis dance Scho tuik 1617 M. Works Acc. (ed.) II. 92.
To the Earle of Abircornes tabernour and quhisier for attending the youthes at the moreis dance the nycht of the fyrwarkis
