from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Ode \Ode\ ([=o]d), n. [F., fr. L. ode, oda, Gr. 'w,dh` a song,
especially a lyric song, contr. fr. 'aoidh`, fr. 'aei`dein to
sing; cf. Skr. vad to speak, sing. Cf. {Comedy}, {Melody},
{Monody}.]
A short poetical composition proper to be set to music or
sung; a lyric poem; esp., now, a poem characterized by
sustained noble sentiment and appropriate dignity of style.
[1913 Webster]
Hangs odes upon hawthorns and elegies on brambles.
--Shak.
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O! run; prevent them with thy humble ode,
And lay it lowly at his blessed feet. --Milton.
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{Ode factor}, one who makes, or who traffics in, odes; --
used contemptuously.
[1913 Webster]