Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Interlude
InĖter-lude
,Noun.
[OE.
enterlude
, LL. interludium
; LL. inter
between + ludus
play, fr. ludere
to play: cf. F. interlude
. See Ludicrous
.] 1.
A short entertainment exhibited on the stage between the acts of a play, or between the play and the afterpiece, to relieve the tedium of waiting.
Dreams are but
When monarch reason sleeps.
interludes
, which fancy makesWhen monarch reason sleeps.
Dryden.
2.
A form of English drama or play, usually short, merry, and farcical, which succeeded the Moralities or Moral Plays in the transition to the romantic or Elizabethan drama.
3.
(Mus.)
A short piece of instrumental music played between the parts of a song or cantata, or the acts of a drama; especially, in church music, a short passage played by the organist between the stanzas of a hymn, or in German chorals after each line.
Webster 1828 Edition
Interlude
IN'TERLUDE
,Noun.
An entertainment exhibited on the state between the acts of a play, or between the play and the afterpiece, to amuse the spectators, while the actors take breath and shift their dress, or the scenes and decorations are changed. In ancient tragedy, the chorus sung the interludes. In modern times, interludes consist of songs, feats of activity, dances, concerts of music, &c.