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. Without regard to the first, *courant*, or *courant*, 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 in England; it consists, essentially, of a time, a step, a balance, and a coupee; though it also admits of other motions. Formerly they leaped their steps; in which point the courant differed from the low dance and pavades. There are simple courants and figured courants, all danced by two persons.