Dictionary entry

Passacaglia

Webster's Dictionary 1913

{ ‖Pas′sa‐ca‐glia (?), ‖Pas′sa‐ca‐glio (?), } n. [Sp. pasacalle a certain tune on the guitar, prop., a tune played in passing through the streets.] (Mus.) An old Italian or Spanish dance tune, in slow three-four measure, with divisions on a ground bass, resembling a chaconne.