quadrille
UK[kwɒˈdrɪl]US[kwɑːˈdrɪl]
n
a lively square dance for four couples, popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.
n
a piece of music for such a dance, typically in 6/8 or 2/4 time.
Etymology
the word 'quadrille' entered english in the mid-18th century from french, where it denoted a square dance or a card game for four. the french term was itself borrowed from spanish 'cuadrilla', meaning a 'small troop' or 'company', which is a diminutive of 'cuadro', meaning 'square'. 'cuadro' ultimately derives from latin 'quadrum', meaning 'a square', which is related to 'quattuor', meaning 'four'. the etymological journey, from the latin concept of 'four' and 'square', through spanish and french social and gaming contexts, culminated in the english term for a specific, structured dance performed by four couples.
Analysis
this word is a loanword adopted as a single unit from french. it does not contain separable, meaningful english morphemes within its current spelling.
Examples
the ballroom echoed with the intricate steps of the quadrille.
the orchestra struck up a familiar quadrille.
she learned the patterns of the quadrille from her grandmother.