Sir Roger de Coverley

American  

noun

1. an English country dance performed by two rows of dancers facing each other.

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Sir Roger de Coverley British  

noun

1. an English country dance performed to a traditional tune by two rows of dancers facing each other

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Etymology

Origin of Sir Roger de Coverley

First recorded in 1680–90; earlier Roger of Coverly, apparently a fictional name

Example Sentences

There were English Christmases at Sandringham, where the whole family gathered to sing carols, play charades, Dumb Crambo, Animal Grab and Consequences, and dance the Sir Roger de Coverley.

From Time Magazine Archive

Addison goes on to draw the picture of a witch of the period, ‘Moll White,’ who lived in the neighbourhood of Sir Roger de Coverley, ‘a wrinkled hag, with age grown double.’

From Witch, Warlock, and Magician Historical Sketches of Magic and Witchcraft in England and Scotland by Adams, W. H. Davenport (William Henry Davenport)

His Sir Roger de Coverley, who was a justice of the peace, and his chaplain were, he said, too often compelled to put an end to the witch-swimming experiments of the people.

From A History of Witchcraft in England from 1558 to 1718 by Notestein, Wallace

Sir Roger de Coverley closed the night's entertainment; and day was already visible in the east before the latest of the party, among whom was Melcomb, arrived at their homes.

From Trevethlan: (Vol 2 of 3) A Cornish Story. by Watson, William Davy

It is not always easy to pick out of the eight volumes of the Spectator the papers which relate to Sir Roger de Coverley, when we happen to want them.

From The International Monthly, Vol. II, No. I December 1, 1850 by Various