Definition

1. Noun:
   • A stately Polish processional dance: A "polonaise" is a slow, dignified dance of Polish origin, performed in triple meter, traditionally opening formal balls and characterized by a promenade step.
   • Music for this dance: The term also refers to the musical composition, often in 3/4 time, written for or in the style of this dance.
   • A woman's garment: A "polonaise" is a woman's dress from the late 18th century, featuring a fitted bodice and an overskirt that is looped or drawn up to reveal a decorative underskirt.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Dance):
  • The ball began with a traditional polonaise.
  • They learned the steps of the polonaise for the historical reenactment.
• Noun (Music):
  • Chopin composed several famous polonaises for the piano.
  • The orchestra played a polonaise by a Polish composer.
• Noun (Garment):
  • The portrait shows her wearing a silk polonaise.
  • The polonaise was a fashionable style in the 1770s.

Advanced Usage

• As a cultural symbol: The polonaise, especially in its musical form, is often used to symbolize Polish national identity and pride.
  • The heroic polonaise evoked strong feelings of patriotism.

Variants and Related Words

• Polonaiserie (n): A style or object in the manner of Polish art or decoration.
• Polonaise sauce (n): A culinary sauce, typically served with cauliflower or asparagus, made with breadcrumbs, butter, and sometimes hard-boiled egg.

Synonyms

• Processional dance: For the dance form.
• Court dress or Robe à la polonaise: For the historical garment.

Related Idioms or Phrases

• None directly associated with the word "polonaise" itself. The term is primarily used in its literal senses related to dance, music, and historical fashion.

Noun

1. a woman's dress with a tight bodice and an overskirt drawn back to reveal a colorful underskirt