Etymology

pricksong

P3R1I1C3K5S1O1N1G2

Today it means: Music that is sung from notation written with dots or points, as opposed to by ear; sheet music. Full definition →

First used 15th c.
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The story

From prick + song.

First known use, by meaning

  • from 15th c. Music that is sung from notation written with dots or points, as opposed to by ear; sheet music.
  • from 15th c. A melody performed as a counterpoint to a plainsong.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.