Obs. exc. arch. Also 6–7 lavalto, -olto, levalto, -olto, (7 lovalto), anglicized lavolt, 6– lavolta. [f. It. la the + volta turn.] ‘A lively dance for two persons, consisting a good deal in high and active bounds’ (Nares). Also transf. and fig.
[1584. R. Scot, Discov. Witchcr., III. ii. 42. These … night-dansing witches brought out of Italie into France that danse which is called La volta.]
c. 1590. Greene, Fr. Bacon, viii. (1630), D 4. And draw the Dolphins to thy louely Eyes, To dance Lauoltas in the purple streames.
1599. Marston, Sco. Villanie, II. Ad rithmum, 193. Come prettie pleasing symphonie of words … And daunce Leuoltoes in my poesie.
1600. S. Nicholson, Acolastus (1876), 47. Behold the sunne-beames for thy Beauties sake, Dancing Lauoltoes on the liquid floare.
1603. J. Davies, Microcosmos (Grosart), 94/1. In Matecheines, Lavolts, and Burgamasks.
1627. B. Jonson, Chlorida (1630), B. Ixion … does nothing but cut capreols … and leades Lauoltos with the Lamiæ.
1627–77. Feltham, Resolves, I. xiii. 21. Mortality … checks us in the frisks and levaltoes of our dancing blood.
1671. Crowne, Juliana, v. 49. His soul shall dance Levaltoes in the aire at the Queens wedding.
1698. Fryer, Acc. E. India & P., 128. The busy Apes … made strange Levaltoes with their hanging Brats from one Bough to another.
1879. G. Macdonald, Sir Gibbie, III. xiv. 231. He first danced round her several times … and executed his old lavolta of delight.
