A song such as is sung by sailors. Also figurative.

A task regulated by a chant or song of the type used by sailors when hauling ropes or performing other strenuous, rhythmically repetitive tasks…

A Gaelic boat-song: improperly extended to other songs or choruses.

A song sung by Venetian barcaruoli as they row their gondolas; a song or piece of music composed in imitation or reminiscence of such songs.

Of or pertaining to the beating of time: cf. tact, n. 4 tactic song (absol. tactic), a song to keep rowers in time.

a song sung by the crew of a boat; esp. one used to help maintain the rhythm of rowing or paddling.

A sailor's song or its tune; a dance to this tune. Now historical and rare.

An order given to sailors for the performance of certain duties (see quot. 1867); also, the action of performing such duties. Also, a shanty sung to…

A sailor's song, esp. one sung during heavy work.

a sea song (see quots.).