gigue

[ zheeg ]

noun

1. Dance. jig ²( def 1 ).
2. Music. a dance movement often forming the conclusion of the classical suite.

gigue

/ ʒiːɡ /

noun

1. a piece of music, usually in six-eight time and often fugal, incorporated into the classical suite
2. a formal couple dance of the 16th and 17th centuries, derived from the jig

Word History and Origins

Origin of gigue¹

1675–85; < French, probably < English jig ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of gigue¹

C17: from French, from Italian giga, literally: a fiddle; see gigot

Example Sentences

It is in imitation of a national song, and is sometimes like a slow gigue, sometimes like a pastorale.

From Project Gutenberg

The sonata commenced in D minor; in the Gigue there was constant modulation towards G minor.

From Project Gutenberg

The last movement, still in the same key, is a gigue, thus keeping well in the shadow of the suite.

From Project Gutenberg

The last of the particularly characteristic dances is the Gigue with its counterparts mentioned above.

From Project Gutenberg

The adagio is a sarabande, and the last movement has the characteristics of the gigue.

From Project Gutenberg