The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #65107 Message #1069910
Posted By: Q (Frank Staplin)
10-Dec-03 - 10:46 PM
Thread Name: Origins: Coventry Carol (Lullay, thou little...)
Subject: RE: Origins: Coventry Carol
Few people know the definitions of a carol. There are several, and you must define what kind you are talking about. Following from OED, the standard of the English language. I have skipped over some sub-headings.
I ring dance 1. A ring dance and derived senses. c. A company of dancers or singers, a choir. 2. To sing, originally that to which they danced, but now to sing a lively and joyous strain. (Rudolph, Here Comes Santa, Jingle Bell Rock, etc.) 3. a. A song or hymn of religious joy. b. Especially: a song or hymn of joy sung at Christmas in celebration of the nativity. Rarely, applied to hymns sung on other festive occasions.
Shhh! Unhappy carols are not mentioned.
II. A ring and related senses. 4. A ring or circle, e. g., of standing stones. 5. A small enclosure, or 'study' in a cloister. 6. a chain (Middle Ages, not sure I understand the examples). 7. Combined; carolsynge, carol-chanting, carol-wise, etc.