pavin

/ˈpævɪn/
noun
  1. A slow, stately dance popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, often performed in elaborate court costumes.
    • The dancers performed a graceful pavin at the Renaissance fair.
    • In history class, we learned that the pavin was a favorite dance of Queen Elizabeth I.
    • The music for the pavin had a slow, solemn rhythm that matched the dancers' measured steps.
  2. A piece of music written for or in the style of the pavin dance.
    • The composer wrote a beautiful pavin for the lute.
    • She practiced the pavin on the piano until she could play it without any mistakes.
    • During the concert, the orchestra played a pavin that sounded both elegant and sad.