Descant

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈdÉ›skænt/
• Rhymes: -ænt

Origin

From Anglo-Norman descaunt, from Medieval Latin discantus.

Full definition of descant

Noun

1. A lengthy discourse on a subject
• De QuinceyUpon that simplest of themes how magnificent a descant!
2. (music) a counterpoint melody sung or played above the theme

Verb

1. (intransitive) To discuss at length.
• 1913, w, Lord Stranleigh Abroad Chapter 4, “… 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, …”
2. (intransitive) To sing or play a descant.

Anagrams

• decants