saraband

or sar·a·bande

[ sar-uh-band ]

noun

1. a slow, stately Spanish dance, especially of the 17th and 18th centuries, in triple meter, derived from a vigorous castanet dance.
2. a piece of music for or using the rhythm of this dance, usually forming one of the movements in the classical suite and following the courante.

Word History and Origins

Origin of saraband¹

1610–20; < French sarabande < Spanish zarabanda, perhaps < Arabic sarband a kind of dance < Persian

Example Sentences

In his ears the hum of insects still sounded, and to his unheeding eyes the stars danced their saraband.

From Project Gutenberg

Somewhere there was a moon, for scurrying clouds were dancing a witches' saraband across a faintly clearer sky.

From Project Gutenberg

The King then approached Julian, and desired him to take his instrument, and cause his female companion to perform a saraband.

From Project Gutenberg

Of distant climes the false report It lured me from my native land; It bade me rove—my sole support My cymbals and my saraband.

From Project Gutenberg

Somber figures danced in a saraband of shadows to a yearning melody of Tschaikovsky.

From Project Gutenberg