The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Strophe \Stro"phe\, n.; pl. Strophes. [NL., from Gr. ?, fr. ?
   to twist, to turn; perh. akin to E. strap.]
   In Greek choruses and dances, the movement of the chorus
   while turning from the right to the left of the orchestra;
   hence, the strain, or part of the choral ode, sung during
   this movement. Also sometimes used of a stanza of modern
   verse. See the Note under Antistrophe.
   [1913 Webster]