In plural. Musical periods; groups of notes; (gen.) melodies, musical strains. Also in extended use with reference to birdsong, etc. Now poetic.

Music. A passage, generally made up of two or four phrases, forming a complete musical idea and regarded as a distinct unit.

A part separated or divided off from the remainder; one of the portions into which a thing is cut or divided. Music. (See quot. 1866.)

Music. A complete idea, usually consisting of two or four phrases.