n.
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English refreyn, from Middle French refrain, alteration of Old French refrait melody, response, from past participle of refraindre to break up, moderate, from Vulgar Latin *refrangere, alteration of Latin refringere ― more at REFRACT
Date: 14th century
: a regularly recurring phrase or verse especially at the end of each stanza or division of a poem or song : CHORUS also : the musical setting of a refrain