nautch

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nautch

(nɔːtʃ) or

nauch

(Dancing)

a. an intricate traditional Indian dance performed by professional dancing girls

b. (as modifier): a nautch girl.

[C18: from Hindi nāc, from Sanskrit nrtya, from nrtyati he acts or dances]

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

nautch

(nɔtʃ)

n.

(in colonial India) a performance by one or more professional female dancers.

[1800–10; < Hindi nāch]

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Noun

nautch - an intricate traditional dance in India performed by professional dancing girls

nauch, nautch dance

dancing, terpsichore, dance, saltation - taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music

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References in periodicals archive ?

But the Mirat ul-Arus does provide a slight hint towards the sensual and the bodily manifesting in the feminine form, when Asghari's husband Muhammad Kamil, finds himself "quite adrift at Siyalkot," and consequently falling into the "worst kind of society" by attending "nautches" and "dissolute plays."59 The affect of Muhammad Kamil reveling in such seduction is not discussed, and it hardly creates a dent in their marriage - Asghari is not prone to jealousy or rage, instead, she is concerned about his reputation, and quickly brings him back in line.

Mirat ul-Arus: Examining the Afterlife of a Literary Text

Staging of jatras took place in parallel with conventional theatre, poetry readings, and literary adaptations; folk music with classical soirees; folk dance with elaborate nautches. Holding prayer-meetings, debates, and discussions by scholars and religious heads indicated approval in intellectual circles.

Ceremonial spaces with entertainment at their core occupied the upper level, for sabhas, sammelans, banquets and nautches, the invitees including European guests.