'Virelay' definitions:

Definition of 'Virelay'

From: GCIDE
  • Virelay \Vir"e*lay\, n. [F. virelai; virer to turn + lai a song, a lay.] An ancient French song, or short poem, wholly in two rhymes, and composed in short lines, with a refrain. [1913 Webster]
  • Of such matter made he many lays, Songs, complains, roundels, virelayes. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
  • To which a lady sung a virelay. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • Note: "The virelay admitted only two rhymes, and, after employing one for some time, the poet was virer, or to turn, to the other." --Nares. [1913 Webster]