Coun"ter*point` (koun"t?r-point`), n. [Counter- + point.]
An opposite point
[Obs.]
Sir E. Sandys.
© Webster 1913.
Coun"ter*point`, n. [F. contrepoint; cf. It. contrappunto. Cf. Contrapuntal.] Mus. (a)
The setting of note against note in harmony; the adding of one or more parts to a given canto fermo or melody
. (b)
The art of polyphony, or composite melody, i. e., melody not single, but moving attended by one or more related melodies.
(c)
Music in parts; part writing; harmony; polyphonic music. See Polyphony.
Counterpoint, an invention equivalent to a new creation of music.
Whewell.
© Webster 1913.
Coun"ter*point`, n. [OF. contrepoincte, corruption of earlier counstepointe, countepointe, F. courtepointe, fr. L. culcita cushion, mattress (see Quilt, and cf. Cushion) + puncta, fem. p. p. of pungere to prick (see Point). The word properly meant a stitched quilt, with the colors broken one into another.]
A coverlet; a cover for a bed, often stitched or broken into squares; a counterpane. See 1st Counterpane.
Embroidered coverlets or counterpoints of purple silk.
Sir T. North.
© Webster 1913.