song

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A lyrical poem adapted to vocal music; a ballad. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. More generally, any poetical strain; a poem. [ 1913 Webster ]

The bard that first adorned our native tongue
Tuned to his British lyre this ancient song. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Poetical composition; poetry; verse. [ 1913 Webster ]

This subject for heroic song. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. An object of derision; a laughingstock. [ 1913 Webster ]

And now am I their song, yea, I am their byword. Job xxx. 9. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. A trifle; an insignificant sum of money; as, he bought it for a song. “The soldier's pay is a song.” Silliman. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

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 Melospiza 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, throstle, and thrasher. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Sonnet; ballad; canticle; carol; canzonet; ditty; hymn; descant; lay; strain; poesy; verse. [ 1913 Webster ]