'Tarantism' definitions:
Definition of 'tarantism'
(from WordNet)
noun
A nervous disorder characterized by an uncontrollable impulse to dance; popularly attributed to bite of the southern European tarantula or wolf spider
Definition of 'Tarantism'
From: GCIDE
- Tarantism \Tar"ant*ism\, n. [It. tarantismo: cf. F. tarentisme. See Tarantula.] (Med.) A nervous affection producing melancholy, stupor, and an uncontrollable desire to dance. It was supposed to be produced by the bite of the tarantula, and considered to be incapable of cure except by protracted dancing to appropriate music. [Written also tarentism.] [1913 Webster]