| 释义 |
des·cant
I. \ˈdeˌskant, -kaa(ə)nt\ noun
or dis·cant \ˈdiˌ-\
(-s)
Etymology: Middle English dyscant, from Old North French & Medieval Latin; Old North French descant, from Medieval Latin discantus, from Latin dis- (I) + cantus song — more at chant
1.
a. : a melody or counterpoint sung above the plainsong of the tenor
b. : the art of composing or improvising contrapuntal part music; also : the music so composed or improvised
c. : the upper voice (as soprano, treble) in part music
d. : a superimposed counterpoint to a hymn tune or other simple melody sung typically by some or all of the sopranos
2. : a song or strain of melody
< the birds in vain their amorous descant join — Thomas Gray >
3.
a. : a musical prelude in which a theme is varied
b. : discourse or comment on a theme felt to resemble variations on a musical air : observation, remark
< provides a noble descant on the theme of our human mystery — Times Literary Supplement >
4. obsolete
a. : variation from what is customary or an instance of it
b. : carping criticism
5. : an extended and often warmly enthusiastic expression of one's convictions or interests
II. \ˈdeˌskant, də̇ˈs-, deˈs-, -kaa(ə)nt\ intransitive verb
(-ed/-ing/-s)
1.
a. : to sing or play a descant
b. : sing, warble
2. : to discuss discerningly and at considerable length on a subject evoking one's keen interest
< on that favorite poet of mine, Sir Thomas Wyat, I descanted in a former lecture — A.T.Quiller-Couch >
< descanting on her love of flowers, a passion that was among her prettiest originalities — Edith Sitwell >
< the temptation to descant in detail on tidbits — R.T.House >
: dilate — used with on or upon
Synonyms: see discourse |