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sesquialtera

British  
/ ˌsɛskwɪˈæltərə /

noun

  1. a mixture stop on an organ

  2. another term for hemiola

"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

Etymology

Origin of sesquialtera

C16: from Latin sesqui- half + alter second, other

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The chiavette clefs were transposed down a fourth; the A was pitched at a very sharp 466 Hz; two theorbos joined the positive organ in the basso continuo; and tempos adhered to the sesquialtera and tripla systems of proportional mensuration.

From New York Times

The whole ae, shall be unto ao sesquialtera, that is, as 2 is to 3.

From Project Gutenberg

Sesquialtera, iii ranks, metal — 162 10.

From Project Gutenberg

An interesting point about this shanty is that, whether by accident or design, it exhibits a rhythmic device commonly practised by mediæval composers, known as proportio sesquialtera.

From Project Gutenberg

Sesquialtera is more complicated, and means 'three notes are sung to two of the same kinde'; and 'Sesquitertia is when four notes are sung to three of the same kinde.'

From Project Gutenberg