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.]
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.
1580. Lyly, Euphues (1609), A ij. The Musitions, who being intreated, will scarse sing Sol Fa, but not desired, straine aboue Ela.
1593. Nashe, Christs T., 64 a. You must straine your wits an Ela oboue theyrs.
1607. Walkington, Opt. Glass, 86 b.
Daigne Grantaes nymphes, our vth to entertaine; | |
Vntill our wit can reach an Ela straine. |
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.
1675. J. Smith, Chr. Relig. Appeal, I. 50. An Age elevated above the Ela of common Humanity.
1820. Scott, Abbot, II. IV. 121. Why God-a-mercy this is a note above E La.