point d'appui

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   A given point or body upon which troops are formed, or by which they are marched in line…

   A given point or body upon which troops are formed, or by which they are marched in line or column.

   • The attacking artillery, firing at a point d'appui at long range, cannot be said to be immobilized, because it has the power of diverting its fire to neighbouring points d'appui;[…].
2. 2

   An advantageous defensive support

   An advantageous defensive support; a foothold.

3. 3

   A specific note, chord, or phrase that serves as a stable reference point within a piece…

   A specific note, chord, or phrase that serves as a stable reference point within a piece of music, providing harmonic or melodic grounding.

   • Any note belonging to these forms a point d'appui, which may be used mentally to pass to any note standing in a simple relation to the point d'appui.
   • One thing, indeed, is frequently lacking in Chopin's compositions—especially in those written in the larger forms—the thematic work, which is the point d'appui in the works of Beethoven and the older masters.
   • Whatever intrinsic melodic interest the theme may hold, its point d'appui, like the "faith" theme's, bears on the symphony's plot.
4. ›+ 2 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      A focal point

      A focal point; a centre of attention.

      • Get a point d'appui from which to make your approaches, bring out the key-note to which the strained heart-chords shall respond in harmonious echo, and the battle is half won.
      • Here then was a point d'appui which appealed to the mind of the great worker in the world of the unseen.
      • A breaking up of the year, therefore, into periods with a point d'appui for each, is very necessary to throw an additional stimulus into the humdrum work of the boys.
   2. 5

      An anchor point against which one pushes.

      • The point d'appui of this lever is the pin to which it is attached; the moving power is the rower; and the resistance is the fluid; which is, however, contrary to the opinion of some writers.

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