descant Hear it!

descant Definition

des·cant (des′kant′; for v., also des kant′)

noun

  1. Medieval Music
    1. two-part singing in which there is a fixed, known melody and an additional but subordinate melody that is higher in pitch
    2. this added upper melody
    3. the highest voice in polyphonic singing, as the treble or soprano
  2. a varied song or melody

  3. Etymology: < the v.

    a comment; criticism; discourse

Etymology: ME < Anglo-Fr deschaunt & ML discantus < L dis-, from, apart + cantus, song: see chant

intransitive verb

  1. to talk or write at length; comment expansively; discourse (on or upon)
  2. to sing or play a descant to the main melody
  3. to sing

Etymology: ME discanten < the n.

descant Synonyms

descant

n.

discourse, comment, criticism; see discussion 1, remark, review 2.

descant Synonyms

descant

v.

remark, discourse, criticize; see comment 1, discuss.

descant Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • sing: And the angels, we could say, sing the descant to creation's chorus.

Preposition: for

  • verse: The soaring melody of Oliver's Helmsley always thrills, and is here topped by Ian Ball's descant for the final verse.

Adjective modifier

  • high: It does introduce the possibility of high descant and variation parts, and facilitates the introduction of tunes with a wide range.
  • optional: With optional descant for two violins or other C instruments.. .

Modifies a noun

  • recorder: These are ideal books for the older person who wishes to learn to play the descant recorder.