minuet

 
Pronunciation: /mɪnjʊˈɛt/

noun

  • a slow, stately ballroom dance for two in triple time, popular especially in the 18th century.
  • a piece of music in triple time in the style of a minuet, typically as a movement in a suite, sonata, or symphony and frequently coupled with a trio.

verb (minuets, minueting, minueted)

[no object]
  • dance a minuet.

Origin:

late 17th century: from French menuet, 'fine, delicate', diminutive (used as a noun) of menu 'small'