Emily Dickinson Lexicon

refrain (-s), n. [OFr refrein; see refract, v.] (webplay: path).

1. Chorus; verse; repeated portion of a song; [fig.] music; series of notes.
2. Echo; [fig.] warm breezes; pleasant weather of Indian Summer; reminder of the past.
3. Words; lyrics; sentiments; repeated pleadings.