ode Meaning, Definition & Usage

Ode noun

Etymology

F., fr. L. ode, oda, Gr. a song, especially a lyric song, contr. fr. , fr. to sing; cf.Skr. vad to speak, sing. Cf. Comedy, Melody, Monody.

Definitions

1. A short poetical composition proper to be set to music or sung; a lyric poem; esp., now, a poem characterized by sustained noble sentiment and appropriate dignity of style.

   Hangs odes upon hawthorns and elegies on brambles. Shak.

   O! run; prevent them with thy humble ode, And lay it lowly at his blessed feet. Milton.