[a. F. quadrille (Cotgr., 1611), ad. Sp. cuadrilla, Pg. quadrilha, It. quadriglia, a band, troop, company, ‘a Squadron containing 25 (or fewer) Souldiers’ (Cotgr.), app. f. cuadra, quadra square; cf. Sp. escuadra, It. squadra, squadrone SQUADRON.]
1. One of four groups of horsemen taking part in a tournament or carousel, each being distinguished by special costume or colors.
1738. G. Smith, Curious Relat., II. 389. The first Quadrille, led on by their Chief, the Duke of Weissenfels.
1766. Chron., in Ann. Reg., 118/1. The four quadrilles representing four different nations.
1777. J. Carter, King Zayde, in Evans, O. B. (1784), III. xviii. 182. Two of the four quadrilles,… Take lances in their hands.
transf. 1821. Scott, Kenilw., xxxvii. The four quadrilles of masquers … drew up in their several ranks.
2. A square dance, of French origin, usually performed by four couples, and containing five sections or figures, each of which is a complete dance in itself. Also called ‘a set of quadrilles.’
1773. Mrs. Harris, in Priv. Lett. Ld. Malmesbury, I. 269. A few evenings ago some company were rehearsing quadrilles at Mrs. Hobart’s in St. James’ Square.
1823. Byron, Juan, XI. lxx. Dissolving in the waltz … Or proudlier prancing with mercurial skill Where Science marshals forth her own quadrille.
1833. Ht. Martineau, Loom & Lugger, II. iv. 64. A twang of the fiddle called her up for her first quadrille.
1862. R. H. Gronow, Remin., 45. I recollect the persons who formed the very first quadrille that was ever danced at Almack’s: they were Lady Jersey [etc.].
attrib. and Comb. 1818. Lady Morgan, Autobiog. (1859), 36. There was some pretty quadrille-dancing.
1829. Lytton, Devereux, II. viii. I disappointed her in not searching for her at every drum and quadrille-party.
b. A piece of music to which a quadrille may be danced.
