Pl. -elle. [It., fem. of villanello rural, rustic, f. villano: see VILLAIN sb. and a.] (See later quots.)
1597. Morley, Introd. Mus., III. 180. Though many times the dittie be fine enough, yet because it carrieth that name Villanella they take those disallowances as being good enough for plow and cart.
1667. C. Simpson, Compend Mus., 139. Then, Cansonets, Vilanella’s, Airs of all sorts; or what else Poetry hath contrived to be set and Sung in Musick. [Hence in R. Holme, Armoury (1688), III. 159/2.]
1801. Busby, Dict. Mus., Villanella, the air of an old rustic dance, the time of which was gay and brisk, and the measure strongly marked.
1884. W. S. Rockstro, in Grove, Dict. Mus., IV. 264. Villanella, an unaccompanied Part-Song, of light rustic character, sharing, in about equal proportions, the characteristics of the Canzonetta, and the Balletta.
