again; once more (used by an audience in calling for an additional number or piece).
noun
a demand, as by applause, for a repetition of a song, act, etc., or for a performance of a number or piece additional to those on a program, or for a reappearance by the performers, as at the end of a concert, recital, etc.
the performance or reappearance in response to such a demand: He chose a Chopin nocturne for his encore.
any repeated or additional performance or appearance, as a rerun of a telecast or a rematch in sports.
verb (used with object),en·cored,en·cor·ing.
to call for a repetition of.
to call for an encore from (a performer).
Origin of encore
1705–15; < French: still, yet, besides < Latinhinc hā hōrā or hinc ad hōram until this hour
1712, from French encore "still, yet, again" (12c.), generally explained as being from Vulgar Latin phrase *hinc ad horam "from then to this hour" (Italian ancora "again, still, yet" is said to be a French loan-word).
Whenever any Gentlemen are particularly pleased with a Song, at their crying out Encore ... the Performer is so obliging as to sing it over again. [Steele, "Spectator" No. 314, 1712]
There appears to be no evidence that either the Fr. or It. word was ever similarly used in its native country. The corresponding word both in Fr. and It. is bis; in It. da capo was formerly used. [OED]
