Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Madrigal
Mad′ri-gal
(măd′rĭ-gal)
, Noun.
[It.
madrigale
, OIt. madriale
, mandriale
(cf. LL. matriale
); of uncertain origin, possibly fr. It mandra
flock, L. mandra
stall, herd of cattle, Gr. μάνδρα
fold, stable; hence, 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
The huddling brook to hear his
madrigal
. Milton.
2.
(Mus.)
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
. Webster 1828 Edition
Madrigal
MAD'RIGAL
,Noun.
1.
A little amorous poem, sometimes called a pastoral poem, containing a certain number of free unequal verses, not confined to the scrupulous regularity of a sonnet or the subtilty of the epigram, but containing some tender and delicate, though simple thought, suitably expressed.2.
An elaborate vocal composition in five or six parts.