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

"There is nothing worse than closed shops when there are tourists," said Christian Branle, Lusigny-sur-Barse's mayor.

From BBC

“In a tourist area, it seems essential that a business can open every day during the summer. There’s nothing worse than closed shops when there are tourists,” Branle told L’Est Eclair newspaper, after the fine was levied by employment authority officials.

From The Guardian

“There has to be some common sense, especially in small rural places,” Branle told French television.

From The Guardian

Christian Branle, the town’s mayor, defended the baker.

From The Guardian

That happiness carries over into the Washerwoman, a branle, or circle dance, that flourished in the countryside.

From New York Times