Song \Song\ (?; 115), n. [AS. song, sang, fr. singan to sing; akin to D. zang, G. sang, Icel. s["o]ngr, 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 (Zo["o]l.), any singing bird; one of the Oscines.

Song sparrow (Zo["o]l.), 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 (Zo["o]l.), 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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)