Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Dithyramb

Dithyramb , noun

[Latin dithyrambus, Greek {not transcribed} a kind of lyric poetry in honor of Bacchus; also, a name of Bacchus; of unknown origin: compare French dithyrambe.]

A kind of lyric poetry in honor of Bacchus, usually sung by a band of revelers to a flute accompaniment; hence, in general, a poem written in a wild irregular strain. — Bentley