Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Song
Song
(sŏng; 115)
, Noun.
[AS.
song
, sang
, fr. singan
to sing; akin to D. zang
, G. sang
, Icel. söngr
, 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.
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
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.
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
.
Syn. – Sonnet; ballad; canticle; carol; canzonet; ditty; hymn; descant; lay; strain; poesy; verse.
Webster 1828 Edition
Song
SONG
, n.1.
In general, that which is sung or uttered with musical modulations of the voice, whether of the human voice or that of a bird.2.
A little poem to be sung, or uttered with musical modulations; a ballad. The songs of a country are characteristic of its manners. Every country has its love songs, its war songs, and its patriotic songs.3.
A hymn; a sacred poem or hymn to be sung either in joy or thanksgiving, as that sung by Moses and the Israelites after escaping the dangers of the Arabian gulf and of Pharaoh; or of lamentation, as that of David over the death of Saul and Jonathan. Songs of joy are represented as constituting a part of heavenly felicity.4.
A lay; a strain; a poem. The bard that first adorn'd our native tongue, tun'd to his British lyre this ancient song.5.
Poetry; poesy; verse. This subject for heroic song pleas'd me.6.
Notes of birds. [See Def. 1.]7.
A mere trifle. The soldier's pay is a song. Old song, a trifle. I do not intend to be thus put off with an old song.