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

Interlude \In`ter*lude\, n. [OE. enterlude, LL. interludium; LL.
inter between ludus play, fr. ludere to play: cf. F.
interlude. See {Ludicrous}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. A short entertainment exhibited on the stage between the
acts of a play, or between the play and the afterpiece, to
relieve the tedium of waiting.
[1913 Webster]

Dreams are but interludes, which fancy makes
When monarch reason sleeps. --Dryden.
[1913 Webster]

2. A form of English drama or play, usually short, merry, and
farcical, which succeeded the Moralities or Moral Plays in
the transition to the romantic or Elizabethan drama.
[1913 Webster]

3. (Mus.) A short piece of instrumental music played between
the parts of a song or cantata, or the acts of a drama;
especially, in church music, a short passage played by the
organist between the stanzas of a hymn, or in German
chorals after each line.
[1913 Webster]

4. Hence: Any intervening period of time, space, etc.; a
pause between phases of an activity.
[PJC]