COUNTERPOINTING
Verb
counterpointing
present participle of counterpoint
Source: Wiktionary
COUNTERPOINT
Coun"ter*point` (koun"tr-point`), n. Etym: [Counter- + point.]
Definition: An opposite point [Obs.] Sir E. Sandys.
Coun"ter*point`, n. Etym: [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.
Coun"ter*point`, n. Etym: [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.]
Definition: 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.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition