melody

n.; pl. Melodies [ OE. melodie, F. mélodie, L. melodia, fr. Gr. &unr_; a singing, choral song, fr. &unr_; musical, melodious; me`los song, tune + &unr_; song. See Ode. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. A sweet or agreeable succession of sounds. [ 1913 Webster ]

Lulled with sound of sweetest melody. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Mus.) A rhythmical succession of single tones, ranging for the most part within a given key, and so related together as to form a musical whole, having the unity of what is technically called a musical thought, at once pleasing to the ear and characteristic in expression. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Melody consists in a succession of single tones; harmony is a consonance or agreement of tones, also a succession of consonant musical combinations or chords. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The air or tune of a musical piece. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- See Harmony. [ 1913 Webster ]