a stately piece of music composed for dancing the minuet; often incorporated into a sonata or suite
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Minuet \Min"u*et\, n. [F., fr. menu small, L. minutus small. So called on account of the short steps of the dance. See 4th {Minute}.] 1. A slow graceful dance consisting of a coupee, a high step, and a balance.
2. (Mus.) A tune or air to regulate the movements of the dance so called; a movement in suites, sonatas, symphonies, etc., having the dance form, and commonly in 3-4, sometimes 3-8, measure.
A dancing mistress, hired for the occasion, taught guests to do the minuet and the waltz.