MADRIGALS
Noun
madrigals
plural of madrigal
Source: Wiktionary
MADRIGAL
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