roundelay

[ roun-dl-ey ]

noun

1. a song in which a phrase, line, or the like, is continually repeated.
2. the music for such a song.
3. a dance in a circle; round dance.

roundelay

/ ˈraʊndɪˌleɪ /

noun

1. Also calledroundel a slow medieval dance performed in a circle
2. a song in which a line or phrase is repeated as a refrain

Word History and Origins

Origin of roundelay¹

1565–75; alteration (influenced by lay ⁴ ) of Middle French rondelet, diminutive of rondel roundel

Word History and Origins

Origin of roundelay¹

C16: from Old French rondelet a little rondel, from rondel ; also influenced by lay ⁴

Example Sentences

Nellie Thomas' bird-like tones thrilled their roundelay of worship with the silvery clearness of the skylark.

From Project Gutenberg

And by night about the crackling camp fire our happy voices, all united, are uplifted in song and roundelay.

From Project Gutenberg

During the day it gets on a neighboring brush or tree and sings its roundelay of song for hours at a time.

From Project Gutenberg

Why sing a roundelay that means no more than Choctaw to a Turk?

From Project Gutenberg

Voices rippled from chantey to roundelay and back to chantey again.

From Project Gutenberg