prick-song（n.）
mid-15c., "music sung from written notes" instead of from memory or by ear, from song (n.) + prick (n.) in a Middle English sense of "mark indicating pitch" in music; from the Old English sense of prick as "dot or small mark made in writing." Compare counterpoint (n.2)).
Nares' "Glossary" defines prick-song as "Music written down, sometimes more particularly music in parts .... When opposed to plain-song, it meant counter-point, as distinguished from mere melody."
The "Collection of Ancient English Airs" [ed. W. Chappell, 1840] defines it as "Harmony written or pricked down in opposition to plain-song, where the descant rested with the will of the singer." Among the old poets, prick-song was used of the nightingale's song, it being full of rich beauty and regular music. They also speak of the cuckoo's plain-song.
该词起源时间：15世纪中期