Of music, language, etc.: that flows, esp. smoothly or easily; having a rhythmic character; (in quot. 1921) having a running rhythm (see running r…

Quickly; †promptly (obsolete). Also occasionally as adj.: quick.

Of a movement, passage, or composition: marked to be performed adagio. Also: of, relating to, or characteristic of an adagio; graceful, leisurely.

Of musical movement: Moderately slow and distinct. Also used advb.

Of a movement, passage, or piece of music: played (or directed to be played) lovingly or tenderly. Also: of or relating to such music.

That moves in a bouncing or cantering manner; boisterous, lively; unsteady, rickety.

Moderately quick, brisk, or lively; played allegretto.

Quick in tempo; brisk, lively. Also in extended use.

Slow and dignified; (of a passage, movement, or composition) marked to be performed largo. Also figurative.

Of musical movement: orig. Rather slower than andante; but often taken to mean: With less of andante, i.e. rather quicker.

Music. See quot. 1825. Also as adv.

Of tempo: slow, but faster than adagio (adagio, adj. 1a).

Gradually increasing in speed.

Of a piece of music: played, or directed to be played, with a temporary disregard for strict tempo to allow an expressive quickening or slowing…

Of musical rhythm or tempo: lively; fast-paced; upbeat.

Of musical movement, or as a tempo designation: animated; rapid. Usually with modifying word, as più (see più, adv.), meno (see meno, adv.).

Of a phrase or passage: held back; restrained. Obsolete.

A direction indicating brisk or lively performance (see quots.). Also with the adv. used quasi-adjectivally to characterize musical composition.

Of a piece of music, its performance, rhythm, etc.: marked by precision or repetitiveness suggestive of mechanized action or movement.

Animated, agitated, bustling, full of variety; (spec. of music) lively.

In a tranquil style or tempo; tranquilly. Also adj. n., (a movement or section) played in a tranquil style or tempo.

Of music, etc.: characterized by or played at a fast tempo.

Music. Characterized by or played at a slow tempo.