ridotto

Definition

A public ball, typically a masquerade, popular in the 18th century.

Etymology

Borrowed from Italian ridotto (“foyer”). Doublet of redoubt.

Example Sentences

• "May 26, 1742, Horace Walpole, letter to Horace Mann There are to be ridottos at guinea tickets."
• "Night came, with that increase of gaiety which has always been night's peculiar privilege—perhaps on the principle of contrast. Monday, it was the ridotto; Tuesday, the opera; Wednesday, Ranelagh; Thursday, the play; Friday, a ball; Saturday, a rout, or else a little of all these blended together."