cotillion (kotilyon)

[Also, as F., cotillon (E. -lli -repr. the (former) sound of F. -ll-), a sort of dance, lit. a petticoat, dim. of OF. cote, F. cotte, a coat: see coat2.] 1. A lively French dance, originated in the eighteenth century, for two, eight, or even more performers, and consisting of a variety of steps and figures; specifically, an elaborate series of figures, often known in the United States as the german. The term is now often used as a generic name for several different kinds of quadrille. - 2. Music arranged or played for a dance.-3. A black-and-white woolen fabric used for women's skirts.