passy-measure
/ˈpɑːsimɛʒə/ /ˈpasimɛʒə/(also passing-measure) Now historical
noun
= passamezzo. Frequently attributive and in plural, especially in passy-measures pavane.
Origin
Late 16th century; earliest use found in Nicholas Breton (?1555–c1626), poet. Apparently alteration by folk etymology of passamezzo; in β and some forms with further alteration of the first element to passing and pace respectively after Italian passa- and passo.