Music. A tempo or time signature having four crotchets or quavers in a bar; = quadruple time n. at quadruple, n. adj.adv. compounds.

the slow time of a measure (sense 15a).

Music and Dance. Without article. A fast tempo. Also in extended use.

Music. Relative speed or rate of movement; pace; time; spec. the proper or characteristic speed and rhythm of a dance or other tune (in tempo di g…

Music. Relative speed or rate of movement; pace; time; spec. the proper or characteristic speed and rhythm of a dance or other tune (in tempo di g…

The action of tittup, v.; jerky or exaggerated movement. Also occasionally: an instance of this.

A temporary disregard for strict tempo to allow an expressive quickening or slowing, typically without altering the overall pace; = tempo rubato at…

Music. Double the time specified or previously used. spec. in Jazz: see quot. 1961. So double-time v. intransitive.

a strict and regular rhythm; frequently used attributively with reference to a kind of ballroom dancing to music with such a rhythm.

Half the tempo of the performer; an accompaniment at half the tempo of the performer (see quot. 1961).

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