ossia

[oh-see-uh]

conjunction

(indicating an alternative, usually easier, version of a passage in a musical score) or; or else.

Origin of ossia

First recorded in 1875–80, ossia is from the Italian word o sia or let it be

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for ossia

Historical Examples of ossia

Of these the most important result was Il Triregno, ossia del regno del cielo, della terra, e del papa.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 8
Various
Thus, Paers Leonora, ossia lamore conjugale came to be overshadowed by the superior presence of Beethovens great work.
The Life of Rossini
Henry Sutherland Edwards
Instituzioni, riti e ceremonie dell' ordine dei Francs-maons, ossia Liberi Muratori.
The Cathedral Builders
Leader Scott