roundelay

[roun-dl-ey]

noun

1. a song in which a phrase, line, or the like, is continually repeated.

2. the music for such a song.

3. a dance in a circle; round dance.

roundelay

/ ˈraʊndɪˌleɪ /

noun

1. Also called: roundel. a slow medieval dance performed in a circle

2. a song in which a line or phrase is repeated as a refrain

Word History and Origins

Origin of roundelay¹

1565–75; alteration (influenced by lay ⁴ ) of Middle French rondelet, diminutive of rondel roundel

Word History and Origins

Origin of roundelay¹

C16: from Old French rondelet a little rondel, from rondel ; also influenced by _lay ⁴

Example Sentences

Man, that’s an ambition worth an endless roundelay of soulless mid-level convention venues, empty hotel rooms and backseat rides in SUVs sitting next to people telling you how many points you’re down in the polls.

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A ticket is an entree to a 70-minute roundelay of dire versions of children’s playground games, with Korean snacks, claw games and shopping to follow.

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Lapine, making his feature film debut, doesn’t have the technique to turn this amatory whirl into a lyrical roundelay.

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It’s not a narrative concept album, but the songs are connected by recurring threads: a roundelay of infidelities and reunions, betrayals and connections, self-doubt and self-affirmation.

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Throughout these effusive roundelays, they yearn — for meaning, former lovers, lost intimacy, an escape.

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