parody

A modified form of a literary or artistic work (or more generally any public performance), intended to amuse, to point out flaws or fallacies, or to deflate the pride of the creator or the work's fans.

In the USA and several other nations, parodic intent is regarded as a legal defense against charges of copyright infringement.

Par"o*dy (?), n.; pl. Parodies (#). [L. parodia, Gr. ; beside + a song: cf. F. parodie. See Para-, and Ode.]

1.

A writing in which the language or sentiment of an author is mimicked; especially, a kind of literary pleasantry, in which what is written on one subject is altered, and applied to another by way of burlesque; travesty.

The lively parody which he wrote . . . on Dryden's "Hind and Panther" was received with great applause.
Macaulay.

2.

A popular maxim, adage, or proverb.

[Obs.]

 

© Webster 1913.

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Par"o*dy, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Parodied (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Parodying.] [Cf. F. parodier.]

To write a parody upon; to burlesque.

I have translated, or rather parodied, a poem of Horace.
Pope.

 

© Webster 1913.