Category:Song

Song, n. Etym: [as. song, sang, fr. singan to sing; akin to d. zang, G. sang, icel. söngr, goeth. sagws. 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.

2. A lyrical poem adapted to vocal music; a ballad.

3. More generally, any poetical strain; a poem. The bard that first adorned our native tongue tuned to his british Lyre this ancient song. Dryden.

4. Poetical composition; poetry; verse. This subject for heroic song. Milton.

5. An object of derision; a laughingstock. And now am i their song. yea, i am their byword. Job xxx. 9.

6. A trifle. "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 (zoöl.), any singing bird; one of the oscines. -- song sparrow (zoöl.), a very common north american sparrow (melospiza fasciata, or m. 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 (zoöl.), a common european thrush (turdus musicus), Noted for its melodius song; -- called also mavis, throsite, and Thrasher.

Syn. -- sonnet; ballad; canticle; carol; canzonet; ditty; hymn; descant; Lay; strain; poesy; verse.