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 currant 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 hands; in contradistinction from the faraband, 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 coupée; 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.