Pav"an (?), n. [F. pavane; cf. It. & Sp. pavana, and Sp. pavon, pavo, a peacock, L. pavo.]
A stately and formal Spanish dance for which full state costume is worn; -- so called from the resemblance of its movements to those of the peacock.
[Written also
pavane,
paven,
pavian, and
pavin.]
© Webster 1913.