Emily Dickinson Lexicon

cadence (-s), n. [Fr. < It. cadenza, falling, cadence in music, musical or rhythmical fall of the voice.] (webplay: music, perfect, repose, sound, termination).

1. Recitation; intonation pattern; [fig.] birdsong; birdcall.
2. Tonic chord; harmonious measure; divine phrase; passage from a heavenly hymn; [fig.] music of the earth before the Fall of Adam and Eve; idyllic sound of Nature in paradise.
3. Rhythm; tone; embellishment; gradual modulation below a key note; [fig.] murmur; hum; babble; cricket chirp; insect drone.