cotillion
[/koʊˈtɪljən/ or /kəˈtɪljən/]
nounmasculinepl: cotillions
cotilhão
1. A formal ball or dance party, especially one held as a debutante ball or social event
The cotillion was the most prestigious social event of the season.
O cotilhão foi o evento social mais prestigioso da temporada.
2. A lively French dance of the 18th century, similar to a quadrille, typically performed by four couples
The orchestra played a traditional cotillion as the guests danced across the ballroom.
A orquestra tocou um cotilhão tradicional enquanto os convidados dançavam no salão de baile.
3. A piece of music composed for such a dance, usually in 2/4 or 6/8 time
The composer wrote a beautiful cotillion for the winter concert.
O compositor compôs um belo cotilhão para o concerto de inverno.
In the United States, particularly in the South and among upper-class society, a cotillion refers to an elaborate formal ball where young women (debutantes) are traditionally presented to society. In Brazil and Portugal, the term 'cotilhão' is more historically associated with the 18th-century French dance and its variations, though it can also reference formal social dances. The word carries connotations of high society, formality, and traditional elegance in both English and Portuguese-speaking cultures.
Related Idioms & Phrases
cotillion season - the annual period when formal debutante balls are held
to make one's cotillion debut - to be formally presented to society as a debutante
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