courante

 
Pronunciation: /kʊˈrɒ̃t, -rɑːnt/

noun

  • a 16th-century court dance consisting of short advances and retreats, later developed into a rapid gliding dance in quick triple time.
  • a piece of music written for or in the style of a courante, typically one forming a movement of a suite.

Origin:

late 16th century: French, literally 'running', feminine present participle of courir