Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913
Dithyramb
Dith′y·ramb (dĭth′ĭ·rămb or ·răm), n. [L. dithyrambus, Gr. διθύραμβος a kind of lyric poetry in honor of Bacchus; also, a name of Bacchus; of unknown origin: cf. F. dithyrambe.] A kind of lyric poetry in honor of Bacchus, usually sung by a band of revelers to a flute accompaniment; hence, in general, a poem written in a wild irregular strain. Bentley.