‖ dansant
(dɑ̃sɑ̃)
fem. dansante (dɑ̃sɑ̃t), a.
[Fr., pr. pple. of danser to dance.]
Accompanied by dancing, as in thé dansant (erron. -ante), an afternoon entertainment at which there is dancing and tea is served; soirée dansante, an evening party with dancing.
| 1819 M. Wilmot Let. 24 Oct. (1935) 28 Another Eve{supg} there was a thé danceant at old Prince Esterhazy's. 1841 Punch 28 Aug. 83/2 The elegant soirées dansantes, nightly held at the ‘Frog and Fiddle’. 1845 Ibid. 26 July 52/1 Among the fashionable parties of the season we have observed the frequent announcement of a Thé Dansante, or a dancing tea. 1849 Thackeray Pendennis I. vii. 71 What did Lady Snapperton do..at her déjeuné dansant after the Bohemian Ball? 1854 ― Newcomes xiv, Mrs. Toddle Tompkyns's soirée dansante in Belgrave Square. 1858 Punch 29 May 214/1 Two medical students..got up an impromptu Thé Dansante. 1872 E. Braddon Life in India v. 151 The projection of balls and parties dansantes. 1945 J. Betjeman New Bats in Old Belfries 28 How restful to putt, when the strains of a band Announced a thé dansant was on at the Grand. 1971 Times 16 June 4/1 In the inelegant heart of London beside Piccadilly Circus it is still possible to go to a thé dansant. |