Origin and history of toon

1670s, "a drawing on strong paper" (used as a model for another work), from French carton or directly from Italian cartone "strong, heavy paper, pasteboard," thus "preliminary sketches made by artists on such paper" (see carton). The extension to drawings in newspapers and magazines is by 1843. Originally they were to advocate or attack a political faction or idea; later they were merely comical as well.

Punch has the benevolence to announce, that in an early number of his ensuing Volume he will astonish the Parliamentary Committee by the publication of several exquisite designs, to be called Punch's Cartoons! [Punch, June 24, 1843]

Also see -oon. As "an animated movie," by 1911 (originally referring to work by Winsor McCay.)

early 14c., "a musical sound, musical note," unexplained variant of tone (n.). From late 14c. as "a well-rounded succession of musical notes, an air, melody." The meaning "state of being in proper pitch, correct intonation in singing or playing" is from mid-15c.

Earlier was in (or out of) tone (late 14c.). Colloquial to the tune of "to the sum or amount of" is from c. 1600. The tune the old cow (or cat) died of (by 1820) was a humorous term for unmelodious or grotesque music or sounds.