hornpipe, English folk dance known since the 16th cent., when it obtained its name from the wind instrument that accompanied it. The hornpipes of the 17th and 18th cent. have moderate 3-2 time and 4-4 time. As a solo dance it was popular with sailors, who performed it with folded arms and numerous gestures and steps. The hornpipe appears in the works of Purcell and Handel.