from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Song \Song\ (s[o^]ng; 115), n. [AS. song, sang, fr. singan to
sing; akin to D. zang, G. sang, Icel. s["o]ngr, Goth. saggws.
See {Sing}.]
1. That which is sung or uttered with musical modulations of
the voice, whether of a human being or of a bird, insect,
etc. "That most ethereal of all sounds, the song of
crickets." --Hawthorne.
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2. A lyrical poem adapted to vocal music; a ballad.
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3. More generally, any poetical strain; a poem.
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The bard that first adorned our native tongue
Tuned to his British lyre this ancient song.
--Dryden.
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4. Poetical composition; poetry; verse.
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This subject for heroic song. --Milton.
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5. An object of derision; a laughingstock.
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And now am I their song, yea, I am their byword.
--Job xxx. 9.
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6. A trifle; an insignificant sum of money; as, he bought it
for a song. "The soldier's pay is a song." --Silliman.
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{Old song}, a trifle; nothing of value. "I do not intend to
be thus put off with an old song." --Dr. H. More.
{Song bird} (Zool.), any singing bird; one of the {Oscines}.
{Song sparrow} (Zool.), a very common North American sparrow
({Melospiza fasciata}, or {Melospiza melodia}) noted for
the sweetness of its song in early spring. Its breast is
covered with dusky brown streaks which form a blotch in
the center.
{Song thrush} (Zool.), a common European thrush ({Turdus
musicus}), noted for its melodius song; -- called also
{mavis}, {throstle}, and {thrasher}.
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Syn: Sonnet; ballad; canticle; carol; canzonet; ditty; hymn;
descant; lay; strain; poesy; verse.
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