A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Cotillon
COTILLON (i.e. 'a petticoat'). Originally a simple French dance of the age of Louis XIV, which, according to some authors, resembled the Branle, but, according to others, was a variety of quadrille. The modern cotillon is simply a species of quick waltz, of great length and elaborate contrivances, but with no special music: for the different varieties of it, waltzes, polkas, mazurkas, and galops, are employed.
[ E. P. ]