quodlibet

[ kwod-luh-bet ]

noun

1. a subtle or elaborate argument or point of debate, usually on a theological or scholastic subject.
2. Music. a humorous composition consisting of two or more independent and harmonically complementary melodies, usually quotations of well-known tunes, played or sung together, usually to different texts, in a polyphonic arrangement.

quodlibet

/ ˈkwɒdlɪˌbɛt /

noun

1. a light piece of music based on two or more popular tunes
2. a subtle argument, esp one prepared as an exercise on a theological topic

Derived Forms

• ˌquodliˈbetical, adjective
• ˌquodliˈbetically, adverb

Other Words From

• quodli·betic quodli·beti·cal adjective
• quodli·beti·cl·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of quodlibet¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin noun quodlibētum “whatever subject you like,” from Latin indefinite pronoun and adjective quod libet “what(ever) pleases, as you please”

Word History and Origins

Origin of quodlibet¹

C14: from Latin, from quod what + libet pleases, that is, whatever you like

Example Sentences

It was a quodlibet from “Gaudeamus igitur,” “Vive la joie,” and “God save the king.”

From Project Gutenberg

In with him to the stocks; there let him sit till to-morrow morning, that Justice Quodlibet may examine him.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a Quodlibet, or strain of wit and invention screwed above the vulgar conceit, to beget admiration.

From Project Gutenberg

The climax was reached in the quodlibet, when all joined in a sort of comic chorus.

From Project Gutenberg

Sebastian Bach—The clan feeling—A sixteenth century quodlibet.

From Project Gutenberg