Middle English Dictionary Entry
gamme n.
Entry Info
| Forms | gamme n. Also gam. |
| Etymology | OF; ult. Gr. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Mus. The entire range of tones in the hexachordal system of Guido d'Arezzo; ?also, the lowest tone in the scale; (b) a song; a lament.
Associated quotations
a
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)7.172 : Nou hihe notes and nou lowe, As be the gamme a man mai knowe, Which techeth the prolacion Of note and the condicion.
- (1440) PParv.(Hrl 221)185 : Gamme of songe: Gamma.
- a1450 Treat.Music (Lnsd 763)242 : This tretis is contriuid vpon þe gamme for hem þat will be syngers or makers or techers.
- a1450 Treat.Music (Lnsd 763)258 : But who wil kunne þis gamme wel..he may not faile of his countirpoint in short tyme.
b
- c1425(c1400) Ld.Troy (LdMisc 595)7264 : Than lefte no man synge his gamme [rime: hamme]; Thei were a-ferd of Noye flode.
- a1475 Herkyn to my tale (Brog 2.1)86 : The goos gagult ever more, the gam was better to here.