Song

Song (sŏng; 115), n. [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 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, throstle, and thrasher.

Syn. — Sonnet; ballad; canticle; carol; canzonet; ditty; hymn; descant; lay; strain; poesy; verse.