HORNPIPE  , originally the name of an

instrument no longer in existence, and now the name of an English national dance . The sailors' hornpipe, although the most common, is by no means the only form of the dance, for there is a pretty tune known as the " College Hornpipe," and other specimens of a similar kind might be cited . The composition of hornpipes flourished chiefly in the 18th century, and even Handel did not disdain to use the characteristic rhythm . The hornpipe may be written in -t or in common time, and is always of a lively nature .