Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Virelay \Vir"e*lay\, n. [F. virelai; virer to turn + lai a song,
   a lay.]
   An ancient French song, or short poem, wholly in two rhymes,
   and composed in short lines, with a refrain.

         Of such matter made he many lays, Songs, complains,
         roundels, virelayes.                     --Chaucer.

         To which a lady sung a virelay.          --Dryden.

   Note: ``The virelay admitted only two rhymes, and, after
         employing one for some time, the poet was virer, or to
         turn, to the other.'' --Nares.