branle

American  

[bran-l] / ˈbræn l /

noun

1. a lively 16th- and 17th-century round dance originating in France.

2. the music for this dance.

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branle British  

/ ˈbrænəl /

noun

1. an old French country dance performed in a linked circle

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Etymology

Origin of branle

1575–85; < Middle French, derivative of branler to shake, swing (probably from the phrase branler une danse ), Old French bran ( s ) ler to move (a limb, the head), contraction of brandeler to shake, equivalent to brand ( ir ) to brandish + -eler suffix of expressive verbs < Vulgar Latin *-illāre

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

branle

That happiness carries over into the Washerwoman, a branle, or circle dance, that flourished in the countryside.

From New York Times ● Jul. 4, 2013

I returned to the ballroom, and the first thing I saw was Francezka dancing the wildest branle I ever saw with the most graceful abandon imaginable.

From Francezka by Seawell, Molly Elliot

But thou art court-bred and wilt well understand me when I say the queen commands Lady Fleming to tell her when she led the last branle.'

From Sir Walter Scott (English Men of Letters Series) by Hutton, Richard Holt

Francezka walked the minuet with Count Saxe, and afterward danced in a very merry branle.

From Francezka by Seawell, Molly Elliot

“Your Berwick has to dance a branle first with Prince Eugene, and he who would dance with such a partner must be very active and keep his wits and his legs ready.”

From Francezka by Seawell, Molly Elliot