Mournful songs (6)
I believe the answer is:
'mournful songs' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for dirges that I've seen before include "Hymns of mourning" , "Slow mournful songs as for the dead" , "Laments, requiems" , "Songs of mourning" , "sad songs" .)