crab canon

noun

: a musical canon (see canon entry 1 sense 6) in which the comes (see comes entry 2 sense 4) is a retrograde version of the dux

called also canon cancrizans, retrograde canon

Word History

Etymology

crab entry 3

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!