Mus. Obs. Also 5–6 bace. The regular form up to the present century of the word now spelt BASS sb.5, q.v.

1

a. 1450[?].  Songs & Carols (1847), 67. Whan … bulles of the see syng a good bace.

2

1629.  Milton, Ode Nativ., 130. The base of Heaven’s deep organ.

3

1728.  Pope, Dunc., II. 225. Whose hoarse heroic base Drowns the loud clarion of the braying Ass.

4

1835.  Penny Cycl., s.v. Base in music, This word is frequently written bass, but the etymology, and more especially the pronunciation, are decidedly in favour of the orthography here adopted, which is sanctioned by Dr. Johnson and other high authorities.

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