big band
    n 1: a large dance or jazz band usually featuring improvised
         solos by lead musicians

Band \Band\ (b[a^]nd), n. [OE. band, bond, Icel. band; akin to
   G., Sw., & D. band, OHG. bant, Goth. bandi, Skr. bandha a
   binding, bandh to bind, for bhanda, bhandh, also to E. bend,
   bind. In sense 7, at least, it is fr. F. bande, from OHG.
   bant. [root]90. See Bind, v. t., and cf. Bend, Bond,
   1st Bandy.]
   1. A fillet, strap, or any narrow ligament with which a thing
      is encircled, or fastened, or by which a number of things
      are tied, bound together, or confined; a fetter.
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            Every one's bands were loosed.        --Acts xvi.
                                                  26.
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   2. (Arch.)
      (a) A continuous tablet, stripe, or series of ornaments,
          as of carved foliage, of color, or of brickwork, etc.
      (b) In Gothic architecture, the molding, or suite of
          moldings, which encircles the pillars and small
          shafts.
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   3. That which serves as the means of union or connection
      between persons; a tie. "To join in Hymen's bands."
      --Shak.
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   4. A linen collar or ruff worn in the 16th and 17th
      centuries.
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   5. pl. Two strips of linen hanging from the neck in front as
      part of a clerical, legal, or academic dress.
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   6. A narrow strip of cloth or other material on any article
      of dress, to bind, strengthen, ornament, or complete it.
      "Band and gusset and seam." --Hood.
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   7. A company of persons united in any common design,
      especially a body of armed men.
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            Troops of horsemen with his bands of foot. --Shak.
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   8. A number of musicians who play together upon portable
      musical instruments, especially those making a loud sound,
      as certain wind instruments (trumpets, clarinets, etc.),
      and drums, or cymbals; as, a high school's marching band.
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   9. (Bot.) A space between elevated lines or ribs, as of the
      fruits of umbelliferous plants.
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   10. (Zool.) A stripe, streak, or other mark transverse to the
       axis of the body.
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   11. (Mech.) A belt or strap.
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   12. A bond. [Obs.] "Thy oath and band." --Shak.
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   13. Pledge; security. [Obs.] --Spenser.
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   Band saw, a saw in the form of an endless steel belt, with
      teeth on one edge, running over wheels.

   big band, a band that is the size of an orchestra, usually
      playing mostly jazz or swing music. The big band typically
      features both ensemble and solo playing, sometimes has a
      lead singer, and is often located in a night club where
      the patrons may dance to its music. The big bands were
      popular from the late 1920's to the 1940's. Contrasted
      with combo, which has fewer players.
      [1913 Webster +PJC]

big band \big band\,
   A band that is the size of an orchestra, usually playing
   mostly jazz or swing music. The big band typically features
   both ensemble and solo playing, sometimes has a lead singer,
   and is often located in a night club where the patrons may
   dance to its music. The big bands were popular from the late
   1920's to the 1940's. Contrasted with combo, which has
   fewer players.
   [PJC]