Also 6 quot-. [a. L. quodlibet (f. quod what + libet it pleases [one]), or ad. med.L. quodlibetum: cf. F. quolibet (13th c.).]
1. Any question in philosophy or theology proposed as an exercise in argument or disputation; hence, a scholastic debate, thesis or exercise on a question of this kind (chiefly pl. in University use, esp. in phr. to do quodlibets). Now only Hist.
1377. Langl., P. Pl., B. XV. 375. Of diuinite maistres, That shulde … answere to argumentz and also to a quodlibet … if suche weren apposed.
1526. Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W., 1531), 164. As saynt Thomas wytnesseth in his thyrde quodlibet.
1529. More, Dyaloge, III. Wks. 246/1. Among other such as himselfe to kepe a quotlibet & a pot parlament vpon.
1603. P. Stringer, in Plummer, Elizab. Oxford (O. H. S.), 257. At the same hower also there were, in other Common Schooles, disputations called ‘Quodlibets’ by Masters of Arts and Bachelors in Art.
1631. Weever, Anc. Fun. Mon., 806. A man of great repute in the Vniuersitie of Oxford for his Quodlibets, ordinary questions, and his Interpretations of the sacred Scriptures.
1687. Wilding, in Collect. (O. H. S.), I. 265. For doing Qdlibets … 00 07 06.
1717. Prior, Alma, III. 347. All his quodlibets of art Could not expound its [the heart’s] pulse and heat.
1868. Milman, St. Paul’s, iii. 70. He was also an author, of theological lectures and quodlibets.
2. Mus. A fanciful combination of several airs; a fantasia, medley.
1845. E. Holmes, Mozart, 38. The young musician wrote a symphony and a Quodlibet for the Installation festival of the Prince of Orange.
