~ 1
■ noun
1》 a singing voice between baritone and alto or counter~, the highest of the ordinary adult male range.
2》 [as modifier ] denoting an instrument of the second or third lowest pitch in its family.
3》 (in full ~ bell ) the largest and deepest bell of a ring or set.
Origin
ME: via OFr. from med. L., based on tenere 'to hold'; so named because the ~ part ‘held’ the melody.
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~ 2
■ noun
1》 the general meaning, sense, or content of something.
2》 a prevailing character or direction: the even ~ of life in the kitchen.
3》 Law the actual wording of a document.
4》 Finance the time that must elapse before a bill of exchange or promissory note becomes due for payment.
Origin
ME: from OFr. tenour , from L. ~ 'course, substance, import of a law', from tenere 'to hold'.