ballet de cour

noun

-də-ˈku̇r 

plural ballets de cour

ba-ˈlā(z)-də-ˈku̇r,

ˈba-ˌlā(z)-

: a type of ballet performed as part of a celebration for the French royal court in the 16th and 17th centuries

By the middle of the sixteenth century Italian dancing masters were working in France, attracted in part by the presence of Catherine de' Medici as Queen of France, and it is at this time we note the emergence of the ballet de cour.

—Mary Clarke & Clement Crisp, The Ballet Goer's Guide, 1981

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, literally, "court ballet"

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now