MADRIGAL

madrigal

(noun) an unaccompanied partsong for 2 or 3 voices; follows a strict poetic form

madrigal

(verb) sing madrigals; “The group was madrigaling beautifully”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

madrigal (plural madrigals)

(music) A song for a small number of unaccompanied voices; from 13th century Italy.

(music) A polyphonic song for about six voices, from 16th century Italy.

(poetry) A short poem, often pastoral, and suitable to be set to music.

Source: Wiktionary

Mad"ri*gal, n. Etym: [It. madrigale, OIt. madriale, mandriale (cf. LL. matriale); of uncertain origin, possibly fr. It mandra flock, L. mandra stall, herd of cattle, Gr. madrigal, originally, a pastoral song.]

1. A little amorous poem, sometimes called a pastoral poem, containing some tender and delicate, though simple, thought. Whose artful strains have oft delayed The huddling brook to hear his madrigal. Milton.

2. (Mus.)

Definition: An unaccompanied polyphonic song, in four, five, or more parts, set to secular words, but full of counterpoint and imitation, and adhering to the old church modes. Unlike the freer glee, it is best sung with several voices on a part. See Glee.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition