quadrille
/kwə'dril/
Definition
- Noun:
- A square dance for four or more couples: A formal, patterned dance of French origin, popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, consisting of five or more distinct figures or sections.
- Music for this dance: A piece of music composed in 6/8 or 2/4 time to accompany the quadrille dance.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Dance):
- The ballroom was alive with the steps of a lively quadrille.
- Learning the intricate figures of the quadrille was essential for high society events.
- Noun (Music):
- The orchestra struck up a quadrille, and the dancers took their positions.
- He composed several quadrilles for the court.
Advanced Usage
- Historical/Cultural Context: The quadrille was a precursor to modern square dancing and was a staple of formal balls in Europe and America. It often required a caller to announce the figures.
- The popularity of the quadrille began to wane with the advent of the waltz.
Variants and Related Words
- Quadrille music (n): The specific musical form for the dance.
- Lancers (n): A specific type of quadrille, also for four or more couples, named after the military formation.
Synonyms
- Square dance: A general term for dances in which couples are arranged in a square.
- Formal dance: A broader term for a structured, ceremonial dance.
Related Phrases
- To dance a quadrille: To perform this specific dance.
- The guests were invited to dance a quadrille after dinner.
Noun
-
a square dance of 5 or more figures for 4 or more couples
-
music for dancing the quadrille
