tenor1
n.
- a singing voice between baritone and alto or countertenor, the highest of the ordinary adult male range.
-
[as modifier]
denoting an instrument of the second or third lowest pitch in its family.
-
(in full tenor bell)
the largest and deepest bell of a ring or set.
Etymology
ME: via OFr. from med. L., based on tenere ‘to hold’; because the tenor part ‘held’ the melody.
tenor2
n.
- the general meaning, sense, or content of something.
- a prevailing character or direction:
the even tenor of life in the kitchen.
- Law the actual wording of a document.
- Finance the time that must elapse before a bill of exchange or promissory note becomes due for payment.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. tenour, from L. tenor ‘course, substance, import of a law’, from tenere ‘to hold’.