quadrille Hear it!

quadrille¹ Definition

qua·drille (kwə dril′, kwä-)

noun

  1. a square dance of French origin, consisting of several figures, performed by four couples
  2. music for this dance

Etymology: Fr, orig., one of four groups of horsemen participating in certain exercises < Sp cuadrilla, dim. < cuadro, four-sided battle square < L quadra, a square: see quadric

quadrille² Definition

qua·drille (kwə dril′, kwä-)

noun

a card game, popular in the 18th cent., played by four persons

Etymology: Fr, altered by assoc. with quadrille < Sp cuartillo, dim. < cuarto, fourth < L quartus: see quart

quadrille³ Definition

qua·drille (kwə dril′, kwä-)

adjective

marked with intersecting lines to form squares or rectangles

Etymology: Fr quadrillé < quadrille, a square < Sp cuadrillo, a small square: see quadrille

quadrille Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • dance: I opened it by dancing a quadrille with Flavia: then I waltzed with her.

Modifies a noun

  • band: As we passed Langley Burrell Church we heard the strains of the quadrille band on the ice at Draycot.
quadrille Quotes

Most English talk is a quadrille in a sentry box.

—James, Henry