A dance, or exhibition of dancing, consisting of several distinct figures or divisions (see quot. 1801).
1801. Strutt, Sports & Past., III. v. 206–7. They [grand figure-dances] are pantomimical representations of historical and poetical subjects, expressed by fantastic gestures, aided by superb dresses, elegant music, and beautiful scenery.
fig. 1816. Coleridge, Lay Serm., 327. After fatiguing itself, as performer or spectator in the giddy figure-dance of political changes, Europe has seen the shallow foundations of its self-complacent faith give way.
