01 n. A kind of song of a lively character, frequently embodying a satire on some person or event, sung to a familiar air in couplets with a refr…
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1.
A kind of song of a lively character, frequently embodying a satire on some person or event, sung to a familiar air in couplets with a refrain; a street song; a topical song.
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2.
A theatrical piece, usually a comedy, the dialogue of which is intermingled with light or satirical songs, set to familiar airs.“The early vaudeville, which is the forerunner of the opera bouffe, was light, graceful, and piquant.” — Johnson's Cyc.
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3.
a variety show when performed live in a theater (see above); as, to play in vaudeville; a vaudeville actor. See: variety show