from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Ditty \Dit"ty\, n.; pl. {Ditties}. [OE. dite, OF. diti['e], fr.
L. dictatum, p. p. neut. of dictare to say often, dictate,
compose. See {Dictate}, v. t.]
1. A saying or utterance; especially, one that is short and
frequently repeated; a theme.
[1913 Webster]
O, too high ditty for my simple rhyme. --Spenser.
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2. A song; a lay; a little poem intended to be sung.
"Religious, martial, or civil ditties." --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
And to the warbling lute soft ditties sing.
--Sandys.
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