chasse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal / Technical (Dance, Heraldry, Historical)
Quick answer
What does “chasse” mean?
A gliding dance step, often sideways or forward and back, where one foot 'chases' the other.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A gliding dance step, often sideways or forward and back, where one foot 'chases' the other; also refers to the act of hunting, pursuing, or chasing something.
In dance, a specific sequence where one foot displaces the other. In general use, a pursuit or chase, often used in heraldry or historical contexts. Also used in ballet and other dance forms as a basic traveling step.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. In dance contexts, both use the term identically. The heraldic/historical 'pursuit' sense is equally rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Primarily associated with dance. Can sound slightly pretentious or technical if used outside that domain. May be unfamiliar to general audiences.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both BrE and AmE. Known mainly within dance communities.
Grammar
How to Use “chasse” in a Sentence
to chasse [ADV/prep phrase] (e.g., chasse to the side)to perform a chasseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chasse” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The dancers will chasse diagonally across the stage.
- Chasse to the left, then pivot.
American English
- You need to chasse forward before the spin.
- Chasse to the side and clap on the third beat.
adjective
British English
- The chasse sequence was perfectly executed.
- Her chasse movement lacked grace.
American English
- We practiced the chasse step for an hour.
- The routine includes a tricky chasse turn.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in specific dance history, performance studies, or heraldic texts.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used by dancers or in dance class instructions.
Technical
Standard term in dance (ballet, ballroom, jazz) notation and instruction.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chasse”
- Misspelling as 'chase', 'chassee', or 'chassé'.
- Using it as a common verb for 'chase' (incorrect).
- Pronouncing it as /tʃæs/ like the verb 'chase'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While etymologically related, in modern English 'chasse' is a specialized term primarily used in dance. The common verb meaning 'to pursue' is 'chase'.
It is pronounced sha-SAY (UK: /ˈʃaseɪ/, US: /ʃæˈseɪ/), with emphasis on the last syllable. It is not pronounced like 'chase' (/tʃeɪs/).
Yes, in dance contexts. For example: 'Chasse to the corner.' It is an instruction to perform that specific gliding step.
No, it has low frequency and is considered a technical term. Most people would only encounter it in dance-related settings.
A gliding dance step, often sideways or forward and back, where one foot 'chases' the other.
Chasse is usually formal / technical (dance, heraldry, historical) in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “chasse-café (French idiom for a drink after coffee, not used in English)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a dancer CHASing their own feet: one foot CHASES the other in a 'chasse'.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVEMENT IS PURSUIT (The step metaphorically enacts one foot chasing the other.)
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the word 'chasse' in modern English?