In`ter*lude (?), n. [OE. enterlude, LL. interludium; LL. inter between + ludus play, fr. ludere to play: cf. F. interlude. See Ludicrous.]

1.

A short entertainment exhibited on the stage between the acts of a play, or between the play and the afterpiece, to relieve the tedium of waiting.

Dreams are but interludes, which fancy makes When monarch reason sleeps. Dryden.

2.

A form of English drama or play, usually short, merry, and farcical, which succeeded the Moralities or Moral Plays in the transition to the romantic or Elizabethan drama.

3. Mus.

A short piece of instrumental music played between the parts of a song or cantata, or the acts of a drama; especially, in church music, a short passage played by the organist between the stanzas of a hymn, or in German chorals after each line.

 

© Webster 1913.

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.