ledger line

American  

noun

1. Also called added line.  Music. Also a short line added when necessary above or below the staff to increase the range of the staff.

2. Angling. a line so set that both the bait and sinker rest on the bottom.

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ledger line British  

noun

1. music a short line placed above or below the staff to accommodate notes representing pitches above or below the staff

2. angling a line using ledger tackle

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Etymology

Origin of ledger line

1690–1700 ledger line for def. 2; 1880–85 ledger line for def. 1

Example Sentences

Bender testified that it was not his job to look at the ledger line by line.

From Seattle Times

Extra ledger lines may be added to show a note that is too high or too low to be on the staff.

From Literature

There may not be a ledger line item showing the effect of these efforts on a company’s profitability, but these entrepreneurs believe there is an impact.

From Washington Post

Place what I have said to the right side of my friendly account in your ledger lines!

From Project Gutenberg

In order to avoid using numerous ledger lines the music is written an octave higher.

From Project Gutenberg