Obs. (exc. as Fr.). [a. F. cantilène, ad. L. cantilēna a song, an old song, gossip, etc., f. cantillāre: see CANTILLATE.]
† 1. An old song, silly prattle; idle tale, trick.
1535. Lyndesay, Satyre, 4180. I knaw fals Schiphirds fyftie fidder,—War thair canteleinis kend.
1656. Blount, Glossogr., Cantilene, a verse, a common speech or tale, a song.
2. A song, a melody.
1635. Swan, Spec. M., vii. § 3 (1643), 348. They [birds] chaunt her [Aurora] out a mirthfull cantilene.
