RIFF

I. noun Etymology: probably by shortening & alteration from refrain Date: 1935 an ostinato phrase (as in jazz) typically supporting a solo improvisation, a rapid energetic often improvised verbal outpouring, a succinct usually witty comment, a distinct variation ; take , II. intransitive verb Date: 1948 to perform, deliver, or make use of a ~, III. verb Etymology: short for ~le Date: 1952 ~le , skim