Definition

Noun 1. A short, lively tune played on brass instruments, especially as a signal or ceremonial announcement. A tucket is a brief, bright musical passage, typically played by trumpets or similar brass instruments. It is historically associated with signaling, such as announcing the arrival of an important person, or with adding a ceremonial flourish.

Usage and Examples

• As a ceremonial announcement:
  • The king's entrance was heralded by a triumphant tucket from the castle walls.
  • A fanfare of tuckets greeted the ambassadors as their procession reached the city gates.
• As a musical signal:
  • In the historical reenactment, a tucket from the trumpeter signaled the troops to assemble.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• The word tucket is considered somewhat archaic or literary in modern English and is most commonly encountered in historical contexts, descriptions of Renaissance or medieval events, or in stage directions for plays set in those periods.
• It is closely associated with the fanfare, which is a more common modern term for a similar short, showy brass piece.

Variants and Related Words

• Fanfare (n): A short, loud, showy piece of music played by brass instruments, often for introduction or celebration. This is the most common modern synonym.
• Flourish (n): An elaborate musical or dramatic gesture, which can include a short, spirited passage of music, especially for brass.

Synonyms

• Fanfare
• Flourish
• Trumpet call
• Signal

Idioms and Phrases

• Sound a tucket: To play such a tune. (Archaic)
  • The herald ordered the trumpeters to sound a tucket.

Noun

1. (music) a short lively tune played on brass instruments
   • he entered to a flourish of trumpets
   • her arrival was greeted with a rousing fanfare