The Collaborative International Dictionary
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.]
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.A lyrical poem adapted to vocal music; a ballad.
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More generally, any poetical strain; a poem.
The bard that first adorned our native tongue Tuned to his British lyre this ancient song.
--Dryden. -
Poetical composition; poetry; verse.
This subject for heroic song.
--Milton. -
An object of derision; a laughingstock.
And now am I their song, yea, I am their byword.
--Job xxx. 9. -
A trifle; an insignificant sum of money; as, he bought it for a song. ``The soldier's pay is a song.''
--Silliman.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 (Zo["o]l.), any singing bird; one of the Oscines.
Song sparrow (Zo["o]l.), 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 (Zo["o]l.), a common European thrush ( Turdus musicus), noted for its melodius song; -- called also mavis, throstle, and thrasher.
Syn: Sonnet; ballad; canticle; carol; canzonet; ditty; hymn; descant; lay; strain; poesy; verse.