prick song

noun

, Archaic.

1. written music.
2. descant ( def 1a ).

prick song

noun

1. obsolete.
   1. a piece of written vocal music
   2. vocal music sung from a copy

Word History and Origins

Origin of prick song¹

1400–50; late Middle English, short for pricked song

Word History and Origins

Origin of prick song¹

C16: from pricked song, prickt song, from prick (in the sense: to mark out, notate)

Example Sentences

The point was that it should be extempore; if written down it ceased to be true descant, and was then called 'prick-song.'

From Project Gutenberg

Any song which was printed in various parts was called a prick-song, to distinguish it from one sung extemporaneously or by ear.

From Project Gutenberg

The word prick-song occurs not only in all the musical books, but in the literature of the time, and in Shakespeare.

From Project Gutenberg

Well said, wench; and the prick-song we use shall be our husbands.

From Project Gutenberg

Prick-Song, music pricked or noted down, full of flourish and variety.

From Project Gutenberg