subs. (common).—Dancing; e.g., ‘To work THE LIGHT FANTASTIC.’ Cf. MILTON, l’Allegro: Come and trip it as you go On the LIGHT FANTASTIC TOE.] Fr. la sauterie.
1848. J. STIRLING COYNE, Binks the Bagman, i. 1. Mrs. C. Then you’re fond of sporting on THE LIGHT FANTASTIC?
1848. RUXTON, Life in the Far West, 47. Sport a figure on THE LIGHT FANTASTIC TOE.
1855. STRANG, Glasgow and Its Clubs, 150. In evening dress, muslins, which were then expensive, were much patronised by those who tripped on THE LIGHT FANTASTIC TOE.
1892. A. C. GUNTER, Miss Dividends, ix. ‘You dance very nicely,’ she murmurs. ‘Yes, for a man who has not tripped THE LIGHT FANTASTIC for years.’
