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Webster 1913 Edition

Noun.

[Contraction of Lat.

dirige

, direct thou (imperative of

dirigere

), the first word of a funeral hymn (Lat. transl. of Psalm v. 8) beginning, “

Dirige

Domine

in conspectu tuo vitam meam

.” See

Adj.

, and cf.

A piece of music of a mournful character, to accompany funeral rites; a funeral hymn.

The raven croaked, and hollow shrieks of owls
Sung

dirges

at her funeral.

Ford.

Noun.

Durj. [L., a word used in the funeral service.] A song or tune intended to express grief, sorrow and mourning; as a funeral dirge.