Definition of descant

• v. i. - Originally, a double song; a melody or counterpoint sung above the plain song of the tenor; a variation of an air; a variation by ornament of the main subject or plain song.
• v. i. - The upper voice in part music.
• v. i. - The canto, cantus, or soprano voice; the treble.
• v. i. - A discourse formed on its theme, like variations on a musical air; a comment or comments.
• v. i. - To sing a variation or accomplishment.
• v. i. - To comment freely; to discourse with fullness and particularity; to discourse at large.