Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun In organ-building, the external framework or structure in which an organ is contained. In churches and halls it is often highly elaborate and forms a prominent feature in the interior architecture of the building.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Simart, a handsome organ-case of the 16th cent., and a beautiful reredos on the high altar.

    The South of France—East Half C. B. Black

  • In this was represented in careful detail the design of the eastern elevation of the organ-case and the "return" stalls against the Arundel screen.

    Bell's Cathedrals: Chichester (1901) A Short History & Description Of Its Fabric With An Account Of The Diocese And See Hubert C. Corlette

  • The little fellow went bent between the shafts and tugged; the little old woman's lean arms pushed against the organ-case; and the wheeled thing jolted on like that over the cart-ruts, along the drove and through the wide gate of an honest homestead.

    The Path of Life Stijn [pseud.] Streuvels 1920

  • Others, wishing to show their intimate knowledge of this instrument, have told their friends that the trumpet, which is a solid piece of wood, held by the angel at the summit of the northern organ-case, is only blown at the death of a royal person.

    The Parish Clerk 1892

  • Rutlandshire, and the old organ-case in Bilton Church, near Rugby, and other parts of the fabric were dispersed; it was perhaps inevitable.

    St. John's College, Cambridge Robert Forsyth Scott 1891

  • Only, on the painted shutters of the organ-case Apollo with his lyre in his hand, as lord of the strings, seemed to look askance on the music of the reed, in all the jealousy with which he put Marsyas to death so cruelly.

    Imaginary Portraits Walter Pater 1866

  • The magnificent organ-case, with its sculptures, was executed by Mr. Rattee; the pipes in front have been gilded and ornamented by Mr. Castell, of London, and much of the woodwork having been left in its natural colour forms an agreeable contrast, and the effect produced, from almost every point of view, is rich and beautiful; while from its unusual position it loses little of its power or sweetness of tone, but sends forth its pealing sounds reverberating through the lofty arches with fine effect.

    Ely Cathedral Anonymous

  • We had visited the shrine: we had wondered at the silver eloquence of architects: we had examined one by one sixty-six of the most exquisite stalls that ever graced a choir: we had stared at thrones, pulpit, organ-case and a great frieze -- all of them carved with a cunning which money could never buy, and to-day great love and piety are too poor to purchase -- we had walked in the cloisters: we had been shown the relics: and whilst the others were picking over some picture postcards, I was looking at an old fountain in the cathedral square.

    Jonah and Co. Dornford Yates 1922

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