I. ˈdes-ˌkant noun
also dis·cant ˈdis-
Etymology: Middle English dyscant, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French descaunt, from Medieval Latin discantus, from Latin dis- + cantus song — more at chant
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : a melody or counterpoint sung above the plainsong of the tenor
b. : the art of composing or improvising contrapuntal part music ; also : the music so composed or improvised
c. : soprano , treble
d. : a superimposed counterpoint to a simple melody sung typically by some or all of the sopranos
2. : discourse or comment on a theme
II. ˈdes-ˌkant, des-ˈ, dis-ˈ intransitive verb
Date: 15th century
1. : to sing or play a descant ; broadly : sing
2. : comment , discourse