a short dramatic piece, especially of a light or farcical character, formerly introduced between the parts or acts of miracle and morality plays or given as part of other entertainments.
3.
one of the early English farces or comedies, as those written by John Heywood, which grew out of such pieces.
4.
any intermediate performance or entertainment, as between the acts of a play.
5.
an instrumental passage or a piece of music rendered between the parts of a song, church service, drama, etc.
Origin: 1275–1325; Middle English < Medieval Latin interlūdium, equivalent to Latin inter-inter- + lūd(us) play + -ium-ium
c.1300, from M.L. interludium "an interlude," from L. inter- "between" + ludus "a play." Originally farcical episodes introduced between acts of mystery plays; transf. sense of "interval in the course of some action" is from 1751.