Definition of: madrigal

(mad′rə·gəl) noun
1. A short lyric poem, usually dealing with a pastoral or amatory subject.
2. A musical setting for such a poem; an a capella part song characterized by elaborate rhythm and contrapuntal imitation.
3. Any part song
4. Any song. [<Ital. madrigale, mandrigale <LL matricale original, chief <L matrix womb; infl. in form by Ital. mandra aflock <L, a herd <Gk., a stable, fold]