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DictionaryquadrilleSquare dance
noun

quadrille

kwuh-DRIL/kwəˈdrɪl/

A formal square dance performed by four couples.

Four couples form a square and begin the formal quadrille.

Four couples perform formal square dance.
Etymology
quadrSpanishfour-sided battle square
+illeSpanishdiminutive

The square in the name began as a military formation. The term later named one of four groups of tournament horsemen and then a square dance for four couples.

In context

Ion Books368:28
stand up for a quadrille; and they did stand up for a quadrille.
The Eustace Diamonds by Anthony Trollope - Part 1/3 | Full Audiobook with Scrolling Text

More examples

  • We learn the steps of a quadrille before the ball.
  • The evening's program includes two quadrilles and a waltz.
  • The pianist plays a quadrille while the dancers take their places.

Forms

quadrille · quadrilles

Similar words

square dance
A broader category, not limited to the formal quadrille.