from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Echo \Ech"o\ ([e^]k"[-o]), n.; pl. {Echoes} ([e^]k"[=o]z). [L.
echo, Gr. 'hchw` echo, sound, akin to 'hchh`, 'h^chos, sound,
noise; cf. Skr. v[=a][,c] to sound, bellow; perh. akin to E.
voice: cf. F. ['e]cho.]
1. A sound reflected from an opposing surface and repeated to
the ear of a listener; repercussion of sound; repetition
of a sound.
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The babbling echo mocks the hounds. --Shak.
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The woods shall answer, and the echo ring. --Pope.
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2. Fig.: Sympathetic recognition; response; answer.
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Fame is the echo of actions, resounding them.
--Fuller.
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Many kind, and sincere speeches found an echo in his
heart. --R. L.
Stevenson.
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3.
(a) (Myth. & Poetic) A wood or mountain nymph, regarded as
repeating, and causing the reverberation of them.
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Sweet Echo, sweetest nymph, that liv'st unseen
Within thy airy shell. --Milton.
(b) (Gr. Myth.) A nymph, the daughter of Air and Earth,
who, for love of Narcissus, pined away until nothing
was left of her but her voice.
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Compelled me to awake the courteous Echo
To give me answer from her mossy couch.
--Milton.
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4. (Whist, Contract Bridge)
(a) A signal, played in the same manner as a trump signal,
made by a player who holds four or more trumps (or as
played by some exactly three trumps) and whose partner
has led trumps or signaled for trumps.
(b) A signal showing the number held of a plain suit when
a high card in that suit is led by one's partner.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
{Echo organ} (Mus.), a set organ pipes inclosed in a box so
as to produce a soft, distant effect; -- generally
superseded by the swell.
{Echo stop} (Mus.), a stop upon a harpsichord contrived for
producing the soft effect of distant sound.
{To applaud to the echo}, to give loud and continuous
applause. --M. Arnold.
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I would applaud thee to the very echo,
That should applaud again. --Shak.
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