Толковый словарь английского языка Oxford English Reference - interlude

n. 1 a a pause between the acts of a play. b something performed or done during this pause. 2 a an intervening time, space, or event that contrasts with what goes before or after. b a temporary amusement or entertaining episode. 3 a piece of music played between other pieces, the verses of a hymn, etc. Etymology: ME, = a light dramatic item between the acts of a morality play, f. med.L interludium (as INTER-, ludus play)