[vaude.ville] n [F, fr. MF, popular satirical song, alter. of vaudevire, fr. vau-de-Vire valley of Vire, town in northwest France where such songs were composed] (1739) 1: a light often comic theatrical piece frequently combining pantomime, dialogue, dancing, and song
2: stage entertainment consisting of various acts (as performing animals, acrobats, comedians, dancers, or singers) -- vaude.vil.lian n or adj