/pol'euh nayz", poh'leuh-/ , n.
1. a slow dance of Polish origin, in triple meter, consisting chiefly of a march or promenade in couples.
2. a piece of music for, or in the rhythm of, such a dance.
3. Also, polonese /pol'euh neez", -nees", poh'leuh-/ . a coatlike outer dress, combining bodice and cutaway overskirt, worn in the late 18th century over a separate skirt.
[ 1765-75; polonais Polish, equiv. to Polon- ( Polonia Poland) + -ais -ESE ]