Definition of refrain

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< refrain

refrangible >

re·frain²    (r-frn) KEY 

NOUN:

1. 1. A phrase, verse, or group of verses repeated at intervals throughout a song or poem, especially at the end of each stanza.
   2. Music for the refrain of a poem.
2. A song or melody.
3. A repeated utterance or theme.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English refrein, from Old French refrain, alteration of refrait, past participle of refraindre, to break off, repeat, from Vulgar Latin *refrangere, to break off, alteration of Latin refringere ; see refract