metrical accentuation
(gcide) | Arsis \Ar"sis\ ([aum]r"s[i^]s), n. [L. arsis, Gr. 'a`rsis a
raising or lifting, an elevation of the voice, fr. a'i`rein
to raise or lift up. Its ordinary use is the result of am
early misapprehension; originally and properly it denotes the
lifting of the hand in beating time, and hence the unaccented
part of the rhythm.]
1. (Pros.)
(a) That part of a foot where the ictus is put, or which
is distinguished from the rest (known as the thesis)
of the foot by a greater stress of voice. --Hermann.
(b) That elevation of voice now called {metrical
accentuation}, or the rhythmic accent.
[1913 Webster]
Note: It is uncertain whether the arsis originally consisted
in a higher musical tone, greater volume, or longer
duration of sound, or in all combined.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Mus.) The elevation of the hand, or that part of the bar
at which it is raised, in beating time; the weak or
unaccented part of the bar; -- opposed to thesis.
--Moore.
[1913 Webster] |