Bas
/bæs/noun
An obsolete English term for a low musical voice, tone, or part.
Did you know?English once used bas for a low musical part, but the spelling bass became standard under influence from Italian basso and French basse.
Etymological Timeline
Late Antiquity
Latin
bassus
“Low, short, or thick; a Latin musical term developed from this sense.”
Old French
Old French
bas
“Low or deep; also used for low musical tones.”
Middle English
English
bas
“A low sound, voice, or musical part.”
16th–17th Century
English
bas
“An English spelling used for the lowest vocal or instrumental part.”
Modern English
English
bas
“An obsolete form largely replaced by bass, while related forms such as basso and bassoon remain in use.”