1. [n]  an ornament that interlaces simulated foliage in an intricate design
2. [n]  position in which the dancer has one leg raised behind and arms outstretched in a conventional pose

ARABESQUE is a 9 letter word that starts with A.

1. \Ar`a*besque"\, n. [F. arabesque, fr. It. arabesco,
   fr. Arabo Arab.]
   A style of ornamentation either painted, inlaid, or carved in
   low relief. It consists of a pattern in which plants, fruits,
   foliage, etc., as well as figures of men and animals, real or
   imaginary, are fantastically interlaced or put together.
   Note: It was employed in Roman imperial ornamentation, and
         appeared, without the animal figures, in Moorish and
         Arabic decorative art. (See {Moresque}.) The arabesques
         of the Renaissance were founded on Greco-Roman work.
   

2. \Ar`a*besque"\, a.
   1. Arabian. [Obs.]
   2. Relating to, or exhibiting, the style of ornament called
      arabesque; as, arabesque frescoes.