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descant
[ noun adjective des-kant; verb des-kant, dis- ]
noun
- Music.
- a melody or counterpoint accompanying a simple musical theme and usually written above it.
- (in part music) the soprano.
- a song or melody.
- a variation upon anything; comment on a subject.
adjective
- Music (chiefly British).
- soprano:
a descant recorder.
- treble:
a descant viol.
verb (used without object)
- Music. to sing.
- to comment or discourse at great length.
descant
noun
- Alsodiscant a decorative counterpoint added above a basic melody
- a comment, criticism, or discourse
adjective
- Alsodiscant of or pertaining to the highest member in common use of a family of musical instruments
a descant recorder
verb
- Alsodiscant often foll byon or upon to compose or perform a descant (for a piece of music)
- often foll byon or upon to discourse at length or make varied comments
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Derived Forms
- desˈcanter, noun
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Other Words From
- des·canter noun
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Word History and Origins
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Word History and Origins
Origin of descant1
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Example Sentences
But the teacher does not go beyond this, and descant upon the opposite conditions, and promise joys ineffable and full of glory.
It is, however, a subject upon which one cannot descant before the general public.
Then the dowager and the rest of the company continued to descant upon the folly of the match.
I would take you up to me Alhambra, and descant to you for hours upon its perfections and its romantic history.
This ornament the Lady Clotilde was resolved to show to the countess, and descant on its history and its great value.
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