subs. (thieves’).—A staircase or flight of steps. A contraction of the older form—DANCERS. [DUCANGE ANGLICUS, 1857.]
Verb (old).—1. To be hanged. Also TO DANCE UPON NOTHING and TO DANCE THE PADDINGTON FRISK. Fr., danser une danse où il n y a pas d’plancher and faire la bénédiction du pied en l’air. For synonyms, see LADDER.
1839. W. H. AINSWORTH, Jack Sheppard, ch. xxxi. ‘My limbs feel so light, now that my irons are removed,’ he observed with a smile, ‘that I am half inclined to dance.’ ‘You’ll DANCE UPON NOTHING, presently,’ rejoined Jonathan, brutally.
1840. HOOD, Miss Kilmansegg and Her Precious Leg.
| Just as the felon condemn’d to die, | |
| With a very natural loathing— | |
| Leaving the Sheriff to dream of ropes, | |
| From his gloomy cell in a vision elopes, | |
| To a caper on sunny greens and slopes, | |
| Instead of the DANCE UPON NOTHING. |
1864. Daily News, 2 Dec. Another synonym for being hanged is DANCING ON NOTHING IN A HEMPEN CRAVAT.
2. (printers’).—Type DANCES if letters drop out when the forme is lifted.
TO DANCE BARNABY.—See BARNABY.
