Obs. [a. F. basse dance.] A term formerly applied to dances in slow time (e.g., the minuet), which consist of gliding motions and stately posing, the feet being but little raised from the ground.
1509. Hawes, Past. Pleas., XVI. xlvi. Musyke … Dyvers base daunces moost swetely dyd playe.
1521. in Laneham’s Let. (1871), Pref. 16. For to daunce ony bace daunce there behoueth .iiii. paces … syngle, double: repryse, & braule.
1549. Compl. Scot., vi. 66. Base dansis, pauans, galȝardis.
