[Fr.:—L. cantiōn-em song, f. cant- ppl. stem of canĕre to sing.] A song (French, or of France).
1602. Shaks., Ham., II. ii. 438. The first rowe of the Pons [edd. pious] Chanson will shew you more.
1639. G. Daniel, Ecclus. xlvii. 27. Each his Instrument, His holy Chanzons fitted to their String.
1781. T. Warton, Hist. Eng. Poetry, xliv. (1840), III. 129. These [Carols] were festal chansons.
1826. Disraeli, Viv. Grey, VII. x. 445. Gentle poet, would that thou hadst some chanson or courtly compliment.
