'To dance on nothing' definitions:

Definition of 'To dance on nothing'

From: GCIDE
  • Dance \Dance\ (d[.a]ns), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Danced; p. pr. & vb. n. Dancing.] [F. danser, fr. OHG. dans[=o]n to draw; akin to dinsan to draw, Goth. apinsan, and prob. from the same root (meaning to stretch) as E. thin. See Thin.]
  • 1. To move with measured steps, or to a musical accompaniment; to go through, either alone or in company with others, with a regulated succession of movements, (commonly) to the sound of music; to trip or leap rhythmically. [1913 Webster]
  • Jack shall pipe and Gill shall dance. --Wither. [1913 Webster]
  • Good shepherd, what fair swain is this Which dances with your daughter? --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To move nimbly or merrily; to express pleasure by motion; to caper; to frisk; to skip about. [1913 Webster]
  • Then, 'tis time to dance off. --Thackeray. [1913 Webster]
  • More dances my rapt heart Than when I first my wedded mistress saw. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • Shadows in the glassy waters dance. --Byron. [1913 Webster]
  • Where rivulets dance their wayward round. --Wordsworth. [1913 Webster]
  • To dance on a rope, or To dance on nothing, to be hanged. [1913 Webster]