farandole

[ far-uhn-dohl; French fa-rahn-dawl ]

noun

, plural far·an·doles [far, -, uh, n-dohlz, f, a, -, r, ah, n, -, dawl].

1. a lively dance, of Provençal origin, in which all the dancers join hands and execute various figures.
2. the music for this dance.

farandole

/ ˈfærənˌdəʊl; farɑ̃dɔl /

noun

1. a lively dance in six-eight or four-four time from Provence
2. a piece of music composed for or in the rhythm of this dance

Word History and Origins

Origin of farandole¹

1860–65; < French < Provençal farandoulo, perhaps a conflation of b ( a ) randello with same sense, derivative of brandà to move, rock (< Germanic; brandish ) and flandrinà to dawdle, ultimately derivative of Flandres Flanders

Word History and Origins

Origin of farandole¹

C19: from French, from Provençal farandoulo , of uncertain origin; compare Spanish farándula itinerant group of actors

Example Sentences

As the musical themes tie together in a farandole of pomp and percussion, so do Mr. Wheeldon’s choreographic strands.

From New York Times

Suddenly a long dancing line formed, a farandole, and it began to run and leap, growing at each twist and turn.

From Project Gutenberg

Moreover, Sid'Omar's gold cushions were dancing fabulous farandoles round me and making sleep impossible….

From Project Gutenberg

Marie Antoinette once declared she had her most enjoyable time at a wild farandole in the Royal Drummer.

From Project Gutenberg

The crowds which had earlier in the evening gathered to gape at our big tent were now noisiest in the square, where the endless drone of the pipes intoned the farandole.

From Project Gutenberg