\Tar`an*tel"la\, n. [It.] (Mus.)
(a) A rapid and delirious sort of Neapolitan dance in 6-8
    time, which moves in whirling triplets; -- so called from
    a popular notion of its being a remedy against the
    poisonous bite of the tarantula. Some derive its name
    from Taranto in Apulia.
(b) Music suited to such a dance.