a. and sb. Abbrev. sost. Also 8 sustinuto. [It., pa. pple. of sostenere SUSTAIN v.]
A. adj. 1. Of music: To be sung or played in a sustained manner. (Cf. quot. 1801.)
1724. Short Explic. For. Wds. in Mus. Bks.
1801. Busby, Dict. Mus., Sostenuto, a word implying that the notes of the movement, or passage against which it is placed, are to be sustained or held on to the extremity of their lengths.
1875. in Stainer & Barrett, Dict. Mus. Terms.
2. Marked or characterized by being sustained or held on.
1835. Court Mag., VI. 220/2. A kind of Sostenuto or bow effect.
1887. Miss R. H. Busk, Folksongs Italy, 20. There is probably a sostenuto note in its air.
B. sb. A sustained sound or note. rare–1.
1757. Foote, Author, Epil., Wks. 1799, I. 129. Divine Mingotti! what a swell has she! O! such a sustinuto upon B!
