Fugue (?), n. [F., fr. It. fuga, fr. L. fuga a fleeing, flight, akin to
fugere to fiee. See Fugitive.] (Mus.) A polyphonic composition,
developed from a given theme or themes, according to strict
contrapuntal rules. The theme is first given out by one voice or part,
and then, while that pursues its way, it is repeated by another at the
interval of a fifth or fourth, and so on, until all the parts have
answered one by one, continuing their several melodies and interweaving
them in one complex progressive whole, in which the theme is often lost
and reappears.
All parts of the scheme are eternally chasing each other, like the
parts of a fugue.
Jer. Taylor.
Fu"guist (?), n. (Mus.) A musician who composes or performs fugues.
Busby.
-ful (?). [See Full, a.] A suffix signifying full of, abounding with;
as, boastful, harmful, woeful.
Fu"lahs`, Foo"lahs` (&?;), n. pl.; sing. Fulah, Foolah (&?;). (Ethnol.)
A peculiar African race of uncertain origin, but distinct from the
negro tribes, inhabiting an extensive region of Western Soudan. Their
color is brown or yellowish bronze. They are Mohammedans. Called also
Fellatahs, Foulahs, and Fellani. Fulah is also used adjectively; as,
Fulah empire, tribes, language.
Ful"be (?), n. (Ethnol.) Same as Fulahs.
Ful"ci*ble (?), a. [L. fulcire to prop.] Capable of being propped up.
[Obs.] Cockeram.
Ful"ci*ment (?), n. [L. fulcimentum, fr. fulcire to prop.] A prop; a
fulcrum. [Obs.] Bp. Wilkins.
Ful"cra (?), n. pl. See Fulcrum.
Ful"crate (?), a. [See Fulcrum.] 1. (Bot.) Propped; supported by
accessory organs. [R.] Gray.