Song (?; 115), n. [AS. song, sang, fr. singan to sing; akin to D. zang, G. sang, Icel. songr, 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 Zool., any singing bird; one of the Oscines. -- Song sparrow Zool., 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 Zool., 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.
© Webster 1913.