ranz des vaches UK /ˈɹɒ̃(s)deɪˌvaʃ/US /ˈɹɑ̃(s)deɪˌvɑʃ/ noun1 •Any of numerous traditional Swiss melodies played on the alpenhorn, originally to call cows in from the mountains.The herald cries his summons to the lists, But no sound comes to these sequestered valleys; I only hear the melancholy note Of cowbells and the dreary ranz des vaches. — 1972