How Do You Spell MORRICE?

1. Morrice is a term that has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used.

   In the realm of dance and music, morrice refers to a lively and spirited dance. It originated in Europe during the Middle Ages and was often performed in a circular formation with participants holding hands. The dance involved intricate footwork and energetic movements, accompanied by lively music played on instruments such as fiddles, tambourines, and drums. The morrice was commonly performed at festive occasions and celebrations, adding a sense of vitality and merriment to the event.

   In a historical context, the term "morrice" can also refer to a type of European sword dance. This martial dance was performed by knights and soldiers as a display of skill, coordination, and agility. It involved complex choreography with swords, showcasing techniques such as strikes, parries, and spins. The morrice sword dance was often accompanied by a rhythmic beat played on drums or other percussion instruments.

   Apart from its dance and sword dance meanings, "morrice" can also be found as a proper noun. It is a surname of Scottish and Northern Irish origin, typically derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "mór," meaning big or great. Individuals with the surname Morrice are found in various parts of the world, and their genetic lineages can be traced back to Scotland and Northern Ireland.

   In summary, "morrice" encompasses both a lively dance and a type of European sword dance, along with its use as a proper noun for individuals with Scottish and Northern Irish heritage.

2. Originally a Moorish dance; a dance performed with bells, castanets, tambours, &c.; nine-men's-morrice, a kind of play with nine holes in the ground.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for MORRICE

The word "Morrice" has an interesting and complex etymology. It ultimately derives from the Latin word "maurus", meaning "Moorish" or "dark-skinned".

In medieval Europe, "Morrice" referred to a festive dance performed by a group of dancers, typically dressed in disguises or masks. The dance was believed to have originated in North Africa or the Iberian Peninsula and was associated with the Moors, who were dark-skinned Muslims from that region.

Over time, the term "Morrice" evolved and expanded, referring not only to the dance but also to the accompanying tunes and the musical instruments used in its performance. Eventually, the word came to encompass any lively or festive sword dance, often performed in a circle or by pairs of dancers.