ridotto

[ ri-dot-oh ]

noun

, plural ri·dot·tos.

1. a public ball or dance with music and often in masquerade, popular in the 18th century.

ridotto

/ rɪˈdɒtəʊ /

noun

1. an entertainment with music and dancing, often in masquerade: popular in 18th-century England

Word History and Origins

Origin of ridotto¹

1715–25; < Italian: retreat, resort; redoubt

Word History and Origins

Origin of ridotto¹

C18: from Italian: retreat, from Latin reductus , from redūcere to lead back

Example Sentences

In Venice, Casanova frequented the Il Ridotto, or private room, that is now a part of the Hotel Monaco.

From Washington Times

I would not have turned aside to allow even the Doge to pass, and I do not believe that since Satan fell from heaven, any creature was ever prouder or more insolent than I. I went to the Ridotto, and played with a luck which seemed absolutely infernal.

From Project Gutenberg

Her brother was called Montellato, and he it was who tried to assassinate me one night in St. Mark's Square, as I was leaving the Ridotto.

From Project Gutenberg

After I had taken care of all the gold she had won, I gave her my arm, and we left the 'ridotto', but remarking that a few inquisitive persons were following us, I took a gondola which landed us according to my instructions.

From Project Gutenberg

That passion was rooted in me; to live and to play were to me two identical things, and as I could not hold the bank I would go and punt at the ridotto, where I lost my money morning and night.

From Project Gutenberg