† semivocal, a. and n. Obs.
[ad. L. sēmivocālis (in sense A. 2, B., transl. of Gr. ἡµίϕωνος): see semi- and vocal a.]
A. adj.
1. Applied to the sound of trumpets, drums, etc. (see quots.).
| 1614 Adams Divell's Banket 28 By vocall speeches, semivocall Drummes and Trumpets, mute Ensignes. 1688 Holme Armoury iii. xix. (Roxb.) 167/2 A Semivocall signe, is that which is distinguished by the Trumpett, or other warlike Instrument. |
2. That is a semivowel.
| 1828–32 Webster, Semivocal, pertaining to a semivowel; half-vocal; imperfectly sounding. |
B. n. A semivowel.
| 1530 Palsgr. Introd. p. xxiii, Theyr consonantes be devyded in to mutes and liquides or semivocalles. |