from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Virelay \Vir"e*lay\, n. [F. virelai; virer to turn + lai a song,
a lay.]
An ancient French song, or short poem, wholly in two rhymes,
and composed in short lines, with a refrain.
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Of such matter made he many lays,
Songs, complains, roundels, virelayes. --Chaucer.
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To which a lady sung a virelay. --Dryden.
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Note: "The virelay admitted only two rhymes, and, after
employing one for some time, the poet was virer, or to
turn, to the other." --Nares.
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