mavis

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

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