or PAVANE, a grave dance used among the Spaniards, and borrowed from them; wherein the performers make a kind of wheel or tail before each other, like that of pavo, "a peacock;" from whence the name is derived. The pavane was formerly in great repute; and was danced by gentlemen with cap and sword; by those of the long robe in their gowns, by princes with their mantles, and by the ladies with their gown-tails trailing on the ground. It was called the grand-ball, from the solemnity with which it was performed. To moderate its gravity, it was usual to introduce several flourishes, passtides, capers, &c. by way of episodes. Its tablature or score is given at large by Thoinot Arbeau in his Orchestographia.