n. Something that attends another as a circumstance; something incidental or added to the principal thing as a concomitant, by way of ornament, for the sake of symmetry, or the like.n. Specifically— In music, the subordinate part or parts added to a solo or concerted composition to enhance the effect, and also, if it be a vocal composition, to sustain the voices and keep them true to the pitch. The accompaniment may be given to one or more instruments, or to a chorus of voices. Instead of writing accompaniments in full, as is now done, the older composers were accustomed merely to indicate the harmonies to be employed by means of a figured bass, which could be performed in a great variety of ways, more or less elaborate, according to the musical knowledge, taste, and skill of the executant.n. In painting, an object accessory to the principal object, and serving for its ornament or illustration: generally termed an accessory (which see).n. In heraldry, anything added to a shield by way of ornament, as the belt, mantling, supporters, etc.n. An accompaniment is said to be obbligato when it so far differs from that which is accompanied that it is necessary for the intended effect, but ad libitum when it so nearly coincides with that which is accompanied that it may or may not be used, at will. The form of an accompaniment is specifically described by terms such as arpeggio, figured, pulsatile, harmonic, contrapuntal, running, etc., and its character is indicated by naming the instrument or other apparatus by which it is provided: as, a piano accompaniment, a chorus accompaniment, etc.