fandango

[ fan-dang-goh ]

/ fænˈdæŋ goʊ /

a lively Spanish or Spanish-American dance in triple time, performed by a man and woman playing castanets.

a piece of music for such a dance or one having its rhythm.

(especially in the southwest U.S.) a ball or dance.

Origin of fandango

From Spanish, dating back to 1740–50, of uncertain origin

I attended one evening a fandango given by Mr. Ridley, an English gentleman, whose wife is a Californian lady.

What I Saw in California |Edwin Bryant
The Comandante with Roblado and the lieutenant figured at the fandango in full uniform.

The White Chief |Mayne Reid
We used to flourish away at the bolero, fandango, and waltz, and wound up early in the evening with a supper of roasted chestnuts.

Adventures in the Rifle Brigade, in the Peninsula, France, and the Netherlands |J. Kincaid.
At noon he had had to tell them, and tell Willett, who was teaching Lilian a fandango he had heard on the Colorado.

Tonio, Son of the Sierras |Charles King

By that time my three babies were dancing a fandango upon the roof of the car.

Curly |Roger Pocock

fandango

/ (fænˈdæŋɡəʊ) /

an old Spanish courtship dance in triple time between a couple who dance closely and provocatively

a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance

C18: from Spanish, of uncertain origin