Recheat is a musical term that refers to a hunting horn signal that calls back the hounds. The word is spelled as /ˈrɪtʃit/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The initial "R" in "Recheat" is pronounced with a slight roll, and the "ch" sound is pronounced as a "sh" sound, as in the word "sheep." Finally, the word ends with a long "E" sound followed by the "t" sound. Correct spelling of musical terms is important for understanding and communication among musicians.
Recheat is a term that originated in the world of hunting and falconry, with a distinct meaning in each context. In the hunting milieu, recheat refers to the act of sounding a horn or other auditory signal to call back hunting dogs or birds. It is employed to recall them when they have unknowingly strayed too far away from the hunter or the hunting party. By emitting a distinct sound, typically made with a hunting horn, the hunter aims to guide the animals back to their side and maintain control over them during the chase.
In falconry, recheat takes on a slightly different definition. It refers to a melodic whistle or cry made by the falconer to summon back their trained bird of prey, such as a falcon or hawk. The purpose of this call is to bring the bird back to the falconer's arm or glove, thus allowing the falconer to regain command over the bird and prevent it from flying away.
In both cases, recheat encapsulates the notion of utilizing a distinctive sound or call to beckon the animals or birds back to their intended handlers. Whether it is the sound of a horn in hunting or a specific whistle in falconry, the act of recheating is a way to establish control and ensure the safety and continuity of the activity at hand.
• Among hunters, a particular sounding on the horn to recall the hounds when they have lost the scent of the game.
• To sound the recall on the horn.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "recheat" originated from Middle English and dates back to the 14th century. Its etymology can be traced to the Old French word "recet", which meant "recall" or "retrieve". The Old French term derived from the Latin verb "recaptare", which meant "to retake" or "bring back".
Initially, "recheat" was used as a hunting term referring to the sound made by a horn or other musical instrument to recall or signal the hounds during a hunt. Over time, the word evolved to encompass various meanings, including the action of recalling or calling back in general, or even the sound made to signal the start of a game or performance.