A couple dance in lively duple time, dating from 15th-century Provence and named after a dancing master from Marseilles. It became popular at the court of Louis XIV from the 1670s and spread to most of the courts of Europe. Couples dance side by side without holding hands, executing at certain moments the distinctive, springing step, the pas de rigaudon.

1. A lively jumping quickstep for two couples.
2. Music for this dance, usually in rapid duple meter.

[French rigaudon, possibly from the name Rigaud.]