also 8 accompanyment. [a. Fr. accompagnement (13th c. in Littré) f. accompagner + -MENT.] Anything that accompanies; ‘something attending or added as a circumstance to another, either by way of ornament, or for the sake of symmetry or the like.’ Bailey, 1731. Not in Johnson.
1756–82. J. Warton, Ess. Pope (ed. 4), I. § 2. 77. The magnificent spectacle … which is, if I may be allowed the expression, the accompanyment of the picture.
1782. Gilpin, Wye, 4. None of these landscapes however are perfect, as they want the accompaniments of foregrounds.
1875. Bryce, Holy Rom. Emp. (ed. 5), xvi. 286. A Roman sedition was the all but invariable accompaniment of a Roman coronation.
2. Music. The subsidiary part or parts, instrumental or vocal, added for the sake of effect to a melody or musical composition; chiefly applied to the instrumental part which sustains the voice.
1744. Dyche, Accompaniment, the instrumental part playing or moving while the voice is singing.
1754. Gray, Progr. Poetry, I. 1. Pindar styles his own poetry with its musical accompaniments Αἰοληΐς μολπή.
1795. Mason, Ch. Mus., Wks. 1811, III. 318. The former [Purcell] adding Violin accompaniments to some of his anthems and services.
1859. Jephson, Brittany, v. 60. Sung in unison with a modest organ-accompaniment.
3. Heraldry. ‘Such things as are applied about the shield, by way of ornament, as the belt, mantlings, supporters, etc.’ Bailey, vol. II., 1731.
