In the 18th century, the Swedish government made coffee and its paraphernalia (including cups and dishes) illegal for its supposed ties to rebellious sentiment.
tarantism
(noun) a nervous disorder characterized by an uncontrollable impulse to dance; popularly attributed to bite of the southern European tarantula or wolf spider
Source: WordNet® 3.1
tarantism (usually uncountable, plural tarantisms)
An extreme urge to dance, popularly thought to have been caused by the bite of a tarantula (Lycosa tarantula) and prevalent in southern Italy in the 15th through 17th centuries.
Synonyms: choreomania, dancing mania
• tintamars
Source: Wiktionary
Tar"ant*ism, n. Etym: [It. tarantismo: cf. F. tarentisme. See Tarantula.] (Med.)
Definition: A nervous affection producing melancholy, stupor, and an uncontrollable desire to dance. It was supposed to be produced by the bite of the tarantula, and considered to be incapable of cure except by protraced dancing to appropriate music. [Written also tarentism.]
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition
29 June 2025
(adjective) deserving of the highest esteem or admiration; āan estimable young professorā; ātrains ran with admirable precisionā; āhis taste was impeccable, his health admirableā
In the 18th century, the Swedish government made coffee and its paraphernalia (including cups and dishes) illegal for its supposed ties to rebellious sentiment.