Mus. Obs. exc. Hist. Also 7 eela. [f. E + LA; denoting the particular note E which occurred only in the seventh Hexachord, in which it was sung to the syllable la. Cf. ELAMI.]

1

  The highest note in the Gamut, or the highest note of the 7th Hexachord of Guido, answering to the upper E in the treble. Often fig. as a type of something ‘high-flown.’ Also attrib.

2

1580.  Lyly, Euphues (1609), A ij. The Musitions, who being intreated, will scarse sing Sol Fa, but not desired, straine aboue Ela.

3

1593.  Nashe, Christ’s T., 64 a. You must straine your wits an Ela oboue theyrs.

4

1607.  Walkington, Opt. Glass, 86 b.

        Daigne Grantaes nymphes, our vth to entertaine;
Vntill our wit can reach an Ela straine.

5

1649.  Bulwer, Pathomyot., II. ii. 111. Although it [laughter] be at the highest pitch and serued up to the very Eela of mirth, it vanisheth away.

6

1675.  J. Smith, Chr. Relig. Appeal, I. 50. An Age elevated above the Ela of common Humanity.

7

1820.  Scott, Abbot, II. IV. 121. ‘Why God-a-mercy … this is a note above E La.’

8