Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Tarantella

Tarantella , noun

[Italian]

(a)
(Music) A rapid and delirious sort of Neapolitan dance in 6-8 time, which moves in whirling triplets; -- so called from a popular notion of its being a remedy against the poisonous bite of the tarantula. Some derive its name from Taranto in Apulia.
(b)
(Music) Music suited to such a dance.