VAUDEVILLE

Dictionary of Science, Literature and Art · 1854 · p. 33

In French poetry, a species of light song, frequently of a satirical turn, consisting of several couplets and a refrain or burden, introduced into theatrical pieces. The origin of the word is disputed; some derive it from Vau-de-vire, a village in Normandy. Short comic pieces interspersed with such songs are also termed Vaudevilles. [s. 1310]