descant
English
Etymology
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From (deprecated template usage) [etyl] Lua error in Module:parameters at line 95: Parameter 1 should be a valid language code; the value "xno" is not valid. See WT:LOL. descaunt, from (deprecated template usage) [etyl] Lua error in Module:parameters at line 95: Parameter 1 should be a valid language code; the value "ML." is not valid. See WT:LOL. discantus.
Pronunciation
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 95: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "UK" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˈdɛskænt/
- Rhymes: -ænt
Noun
descant (plural descants)
- A lengthy discourse on a subject
- De Quincey
- Upon that simplest of themes how magnificent a descant!
- De Quincey
- (music) A counterpoint melody sung or played above the theme
Verb
descant (third-person singular simple present descants, present participle descanting, simple past and past participle descanted)
- (intransitive) To discuss at length.
- 1913, Robert Barr, chapter 4, in Lord Stranleigh Abroad[1]:
- “… This is a surprise attack, and I’d no wish that the garrison, forewarned, should escape. I am sure, Lord Stranleigh, that he has been descanting on the distraction of the woods and the camp, or perhaps the metropolitan dissipation of Philadelphia, …”
- (intransitive) To sing or play a descant.
Quotations
- 1919, Ronald Firbank, Valmouth, Duckworth, hardback edition, page 121
- Involving some interesting, intellectual trips, she was descanting lightly to right and left.