Chanson
any of several types of song with French lyrics, occurring from the Middle Ages to the present in a variety of musical styles.
n.
c.1600, from French chanson, from Old French chançon “song, epic poem” (12c.), from Latin cantionem (nominative cantio) “song,” from past participle stem of canere (see chant (v.)).
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- Chanson-de-geste
(in medieval French literature) an epic poem written in assonant verse or rhyme about historical or legendary events or figures. noun one of a genre of Old French epic poems celebrating heroic deeds, the most famous of which is the Chanson de Roland
- Chanson d'amour
love song.
- Chanson-de-roland
English The Song of Roland. a chanson de geste (c1100) relating Roland’s brave deeds and death at Roncesvalles and Charlemagne’s revenge.
- Chansonette
a little song; ditty.
- Chansonnier
a singer or writer of chansons, especially a cabaret performer who specializes in songs that are a combination of melody and rapid spoken patter.