double time
[double a. 4.]
1. Mil. [time n. 11.] Formerly, a pace of 150 steps in the minute, i.e. twice the number of those in slow time. According to the regulations in force c 1896 in the British Army it consisted of 165 steps of 33 inches (= 4533/4 ft.) to the minute. In the U.S. Army (according to Funk & Wagnall) double time has superseded double-quick (q.v.) and is fixed at 180 steps of 36 inches a minute.
| 1833 Regul. Instr. Cavalry i. 21 The Double March..is 150 steps in the minute, each of 36 inches. 1851 J. S. Macaulay Field Fortif. 168 They are immediately to return at a double pace. 1853 Stocqueler Milit. Encycl. s.v. Pace, In quick time, 108 paces..are taken in a minute..in slow time, seventy-five..In double time, 150. |
2. Mus. [time n. 12.] Double the time specified or previously used. spec. in Jazz: see quot. 1961. So double-time v. intr.
| 1877 W. S. Gilbert Sorcerer (1957) i. 217 Time was when this old heart would have throbbed in double-time at the sight of such a fairy form! 1939 D. Baker Young Man with Horn i. 81 He..went into double time on the cymbal. Ibid., He stayed right there double timing one-handed on the cymbal. 1961 A. Berkman Singers' Gloss. Show Business Jargon 19 Double time, doubling up the rhythmic beat without changing the singer's melody line. |