ridotto

American  

[ri-dot-oh] / rɪˈdɒt oʊ /

noun

plural

ridottos

1. a public ball or dance with music and often in masquerade, popular in the 18th century.

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ridotto British  

/ rɪˈdɒtəʊ /

noun

1. an entertainment with music and dancing, often in masquerade: popular in 18th-century England

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Etymology

Origin of ridotto

1715–25; < Italian: retreat, resort; redoubt

Example Sentences

In Venice, Casanova frequented the Il Ridotto, or private room, that is now a part of the Hotel Monaco.

From Washington Times

We next hear of him in “lodgings at South Lambeth,” where he rendered some assistance to the then well-known Jonathan Tyers, who opened Vauxhall in 1732 with an entertainment styled a ridotto al fresco.

From Project Gutenberg

Do you know that I am to go into the country, ma'am? and be put to school again, and the blackboard; and lose the Ridotto on the 17th, and the frolic at the King's House Miss Ham had arranged--and all for helping you?

From Project Gutenberg

Ridotto, ri-dot′ō, n. a house of public entertainment: a dancing party.—v.i. to frequent such.

From Project Gutenberg

A great Number of People pass over the Stage, as going to the Ridotto, among whom appears the Marquiss ae Fresco, perform'd by the little Harlequin Dog.

From Project Gutenberg