quodlibet

[ kwod-luh-bet ]
/ ˈkwɒd ləˌbɛt /

noun

a subtle or elaborate argument or point of debate, usually on a theological or scholastic subject.
Music. a humorous composition consisting of two or more independent and harmonically complementary melodies, usually quotations of well-known tunes, played or sung together, usually to different texts, in a polyphonic arrangement.

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weal
well-being, prosperity, or happiness.
the intervening time.
a somewhat prolonged, sharp, shrill cry, as of pain, fear, or surprise.
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Origin of quodlibet

1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin quodlibetum; compare Latin quod libet what pleases, as you please

OTHER WORDS FROM quodlibet

quod·li·bet·ic, quod·li·bet·i·cal, adjectivequod·li·bet·i·cl·ly, adverb

Words nearby quodlibet

quoad hoc, quod, quod erat demonstrandum, quod erat faciendum, quod vide, quodlibet, quoin, quoin post, quoit, quoits, quokka
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for quodlibet

British Dictionary definitions for quodlibet

quodlibet
/ (ˈkwɒdlɪˌbɛt) /

noun

a light piece of music based on two or more popular tunes
a subtle argument, esp one prepared as an exercise on a theological topic

Derived forms of quodlibet

quodlibetical, adjectivequodlibetically, adverb

Word Origin for quodlibet

C14: from Latin, from quod what + libet pleases, that is, whatever you like
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012