[f. ACCOMPANY + -IST.] One who, or that which, accompanies; esp. the performer who takes the accompanying part in music.
1833. Pen. Cycl., I. 74. Est modus in rebus—and sensible accompanists well know this medium.
1837–9. Dickens, Oliv. Tw., II. iv. 143. The accompanyist played the melody.
1871. Athenæum, 15 July, 89. Mr. Emanuel and Signor Fiori, accompanists.
1872. Daily News, 7 Aug. A fleet of friendly accompanyists [yachts] brought up the rear.
1878. Hueffer, in Grove’s Dict. Music, I. 28. From which post he soon advanced to that of accompanyist at the same theatre.
