branle

[ bran-l ]

noun

1. a lively 16th- and 17th-century round dance originating in France.
2. the music for this dance.

branle

/ ˈbrænəl /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of branle¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of branle¹

C17: from Old French branler to shake, variant of brandir to brandish

Example Sentences

The movement towards the dominant note in this Branle may be regarded as a latent modulation.

From Project Gutenberg

I always enjoyed seeing her dance the Branle de la Torche, or du Flambeau.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

The branle was at once formed, and Francezka, as on the night before, led it with Count Saxe.

From Project Gutenberg

The baby who has not swung in a branle does not know the quintessence of baby luxury.

From Project Gutenberg