Dit″ty (?), n.; pl.Ditties (#). [OE. dite, OF. ditié, fr. L. dictatum, p. p. neut. of dictare to say often, dictate, compose. See Dictate, v. t.] 1. A saying or utterance; especially, one that is short and frequently repeated; a theme.
O, too high ditty for my simple rhyme. Spenser.
2. A song; a lay; a little poem intended to be sung. “Religious, martial, or civil ditties.” Milton.
And to the warbling lute soft ditties sing. Sandys.