1. A lively Italian dance characterized by numerous sudden hops or jumps: Jack and Jane and the other couples were enjoying an evening of saltarellos; as well as, numerous individuals who were hopping and skipping around.
2. Etymology: an Italian dance dating from the 14th century in triple meter (three beats to a measure) involving leaping and skipping. The saltarello survived into the 18th century, at which time it was a popular folk dance that was usually played with a tambourine and a guitar; as well as, with voices.