Ôr'ches-trȧ or Or-chĕs'trȧ, n.
n. [Lat. orchestra, Gr. ὀρχήστρα, originally the place for the chorus of dancers, from ὀρχηστήρ, a dancer, ὀρχεῖσθαι, to dance; It. orchestra, Sp. orquestra, orquesta, Fr. orchestre.]
- The space in a theater between the stage and the audience; — originally appropriated by the Greeks to the chorus and its evolutions, afterward by the Romans to persons of distinction, and by the moderns to a band of instrumental musicians.
- Hence, the place in any public hall appropriated to a band of instrumental musicians.
- Hence, also, a band of instrumental musicians performing in a theater, concert-hall, or other place of public amusement.