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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Vaudeville \Vaude"ville\, n. [F., fr. Vau-de-vire, a village in
Normandy, where Olivier Basselin, at the end of the 14th
century, composed such songs.] [Written also {vaudevil}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. A kind of song of a lively character, frequently embodying
a satire on some person or event, sung to a familiar air
in couplets with a refrain; a street song; a topical song.
[1913 Webster]

2. A theatrical piece, usually a comedy, the dialogue of
which is intermingled with light or satirical songs, set
to familiar airs.
[1913 Webster]

The early vaudeville, which is the forerunner of the
opera bouffe, was light, graceful, and piquant.
--Johnson's
Cyc.
[1913 Webster]

3. a {variety show} when performed live in a theater (see
above); as, to play in vaudeville; a vaudeville actor.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]