a French term synonymous with current, and properly signifies running. See CURRENT.

Courant, is also a term in music and dancing; being used to express both the tune or air and the dance. With regard to the first, courant, or current, is a piece of music in triple time: the air of the courant is ordinarily noted in triples of minims; the parts to be repeated twice. It begins and ends when he who beats the measure falls his hand; in contradistinction from the saraband, which ordinarily ends when the hand is raised. With regard to dancing, the courant was long the most common of all the dances practised. Courap, in England: it consists, essentially, of a time, a step, a balance, and a coupée; though it also admits of other motions. Formerly they leaped their steps; in which point, the courant differed from the low dance and pavares. There are simple courants and figured cou- rants, all danced by two persons.