† symˈphoniac, a. Obs. rare—1.
[ad. L. symphōniacus or Gr. συµϕωνιακός, f. συµϕωνία symphony: see -ac.]
Characterized by ‘symphony’ or harmony; in quot., sung by the whole choir together, as opp. to antiphonal. So † symphoˈniacal a., harmonious; consonant, accordant; whence † symphoˈniacally adv., in a consonant manner.
| 1635 R. Brathwait Five Senses ii. v. 136 Yet may wee collect Symphoniacally, though not analogically nor proportionably, by the Excellence of the Creature, the infinite goodnesse of the Creator. 1650 Charleton Paradoxes Ep. Ded. 10 That the Latin is the most symphoniacall and Concordant Language. 1665 E. Maynwaring Treat. Scurvy 56 A pitch of energy, symphoniacal with vital principles. 1776 Hawkins Hist. Mus. I. iii. iv. 289 note, This distinction between symphoniac and antiphonal psalmody. |