Mus. [It. testo:—L. textu-m TEXT.] a. The text or words of a song; the libretto of an opera. b. The text, theme, or subject of a composition.
1734. Short Explic. For. Wds. in Mus. Bks, Testo, the Text or Words of a Song.
1801. Busby, Dict. Mus., Testo,… the text, subject, or theme, of any composition…. When the words are well written, the song is said to have a good testo.
1891. in Cent. Dict.
1898. in Stainer & Barrett.
