SONG

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.

A lyrical poem adapted to vocal music; a ballad.

More generally, any poetical strain; a poem. The bard that first adorned our native tongue Tuned to his British lyre this ancient song. Dryden.

Poetical composition; poetry; verse. This subject for heroic song. Milton.

An object of derision; a laughingstock. And now am I their song. yea, I am their byword. Job xxx. 9.

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 (Zoöl.), any singing bird; one of the Oscines. -- Song sparrow (Zoöl.), 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 (Zoöl.), a common European thrush (Turdus musicus), noted for its melodius song; -- called also mavis, throsite, and thrasher.