'Figured bass' definitions:

Definition of 'figured bass'

From: WordNet
noun
A bass part written out in full and accompanied by numbers to indicate the chords to be played [syn: figured bass, basso continuo, continuo, thorough bass]

Definition of 'Figured bass'

From: GCIDE
  • Figured \Fig"ured\, a.
  • 1. Adorned with figures; marked with figures; as, figured muslin. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Not literal; figurative. [Obs.] --Locke. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. (Mus.) (a) Free and florid; as, a figured descant. See Figurate, 3. (b) Indicated or noted by figures. [1913 Webster]
  • Figured bass. See Continued bass, under Continued. [1913 Webster]