Defn: The musk shrew. See under Musk.
SONDERCLASS
Son"der*class`, n. [G. sonderklasse special class.] (Yachting)
Defn: A special class of small yachts developed in Germany under the patronage of Emperor William and Prince Henry of Prussia, and so called because these yachts do not conform to the restrictions for the regular classes established by the rules of the International Yacht Racing Union. In yachts of the sonderclass, as prescribed for the season of 1911, the aggregate of the length on water line, extreme beam, and extreme draft must be not more than 32 feet; the weight, not less than 4,035 pounds (without crew); the sail area, not more than 550 square yards; and the cost of construction (for American boats) not more than $2400. The crew must be amateurs and citizens of the country in which the yacht was built.
SONG
Song, n. Etym: [AS. song, sang, fr. singan to sing; akin to D. zang,
G. sang, Icel. söngr, Goeth. sagws. See Sing.]
1. That which is sung or uttered with musical modulations of the voice, whether of a human being or of a bird, insect, etc. "That most ethereal of all sounds, the song of crickets." Hawthorne.
2. A lyrical poem adapted to vocal music; a ballad.
3. More generally, any poetical strain; a poem. The bard that first adorned our native tongue Tuned to his British lyre this ancient song. Dryden.
4. Poetical composition; poetry; verse. This subject for heroic song. Milton.
5. An object of derision; a laughingstock. And now am I their song. yea, I am their byword. Job xxx. 9.
6. A trifle. "The soldier's pay is a song." Silliman. Old song, a trifle; nothing of value. "I do not intend to be thus put off with an old song." Dr. H. More. — Song bird (Zoöl.), any singing bird; one of the Oscines. — Song sparrow (Zoöl.), a very common North American sparrow (Melospiza fasciata, or M. melodia) noted for the sweetness of its song in early spring. Its breast is covered with dusky brown streaks which form a blotch in the center. — Song thrush (Zoöl.), a common European thrush (Turdus musicus), noted for its melodius song; — called also mavis, throsite, and thrasher.