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Webster’s Dictionary (1828)



567 words match “MUSIC”

SCABROUS a.
Fig.: Harsh; unmusical. [R.] His verse is scabrous and hobbling. Dryden.
SCHOTTISH; SCHOTTISCHE n.
A Scotch round dance in 2-4 time, similar to the polka, only slower; also, the music for such a dance; -- not to be confounded with the Écossaise.
SCORE n.
from the bar, which, in its early use, was drawn through all the parts. Moore (Encyc. of Music). In score (Mus.), having all the parts arranged and placed in juxtaposition. Smart. -- To quit scores, to settle or balance accounts; to render an equivalent; to make compensation. Does not the earth quit scores with all t…
SECTION n.
A part of a musical period, composed of one or more phrases. See Phrase.
SECULAR a.
and nights, with sacrifices, theatrical shows, combats, sports, and the like. -- Secular music, any music or songs not adapted to sacred uses. -- Secular hymn or poem, a hymn or poem composed for the secular games, or sung or rehearsed at those games.
SELAH n.
occuring frequently in the Psalms; by some, supposed to signify silence or a pause in the musical performance of the song. Beyond the fact that Selach is a musical term, we know absolutely nothing about it. Dr. W. Smith (Bib. Dict.)
SEMIRING n.
the bronchial tubes of most birds. The semerings form an essential part of the syrinx, or musical organ, of singing birds.
SEPTET; SEPTETTE n.
A musical composition for seven instruments or seven voices; -- called also septuor.
SERENADE n. 2 definitions
Music sung or performed in the open air at nights; -- usually applied to musical entertainments given in the open air at night, especially by gentlemen, in a spirit of gallantry, under the windows of ladies.
SERENATA; SERENATE n.
A piece of vocal music, especially one on an amoreus subject; a serenade. Or serenate, which the starved lover sings To his pround fair. Milton.
SERVICE n.
Hence, a musical composition for use in churches.
SESTET n.
A piece of music composed for six voices or six instruments; a sextet; -- called also sestuor. [Written also sestett, sestette.]
SET v. 2 definitions
To fit with music; to adapt, as words to notes; to prepare for singing. Set thy own songs, and sing them to thy lute. Dryden.
SETTER n.
One who adapts words to music in composition.
SEXUAL a.
ve preference of one sex for certain characteristics in the other, such as bright colors, musical notes, etc.; also, the selection which results from certain individuals of one sex having more opportunities of pairing with the other sex, on account of greater activity, strength, courage, etc.; applied likewise to that…
SHAKE v.
To give a tremulous tone to; to trill; as, to shake a note in music.
SHAWM n.
A wind instrument of music, formerly in use, supposed to have resembled either the clarinet or the hautboy in form. [Written also shalm, shaum.] Otway. Even from the shrillest shaum unto the cornamute. Drayton.
SHELL n.
An instrument of music, as a lyre, -- the first lyre having been made, it is said, by drawing strings over a tortoise shell. When Jubal struck the chorded shell. Dryden.
SICILIANO n.
the pastorale, set to a rather slow and graceful melody in 12-8 or 6-8 measure; also, the music to the dance.
SIGHTSMAN n.
One who reads or performs music readily at first sight. [R.] Busby.
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