See Also: descant(1)(dictionary)
descant(2)(dictionary)
descant(dictionary)

headache (iou) and descant(2) (iou)


headache (iou)



headache noun. OE.
[from HEAD noun + ACHE noun1.]
A continuous pain (usu. dull and deep-seated) in the head. OE.
sick headache: see SICK adjective.
b. fig. A troublesome or annoying situation etc., a worry. colloq. M20.
Yachting World Freak weather conditions are a constant headache for skippers.
A wild poppy (so called from the effect of its odour). dial. E19.
headachy adjective (a) suffering from or subject to headache; (b) accompanied by or causing headache: L18.

descant(2) (iou)



descant verb intrans. Also discant. LME.
[Prob. from the noun: so Old French deschanter (mod. dechanter).]
Sing harmoniously (arch.); play or sing a descant. LME.
Make remarks or observations; comment or talk at length on or upon a theme, esp. in praise. E16.
Shakespeare Richard III To spy my shadow in the sun And descant on mine own deformity. J. Galsworthy On this theme he descanted for half an hour.
descanter noun LME.