\Vir"e*lay\, n. [F. virelai; virer to turn + lai a song,
a lay.]
An ancient French song, or short poem, wholly in two rhymes,
and composed in short lines, with a refrain.

      Of such matter made he many lays, Songs, complains,
      roundels, virelayes.                     --Chaucer.

      To which a lady sung a virelay.          --Dryden.

Note: ``The virelay admitted only two rhymes, and, after
      employing one for some time, the poet was virer, or to
      turn, to the other.'' --Nares.