the course of thought or meaning that runs through something written or spoken; purport; drift.

continuous course, progress, or movement.

Rhetoric. the subject of a metaphor, as “she” in “She is a rose.”. Compare vehicle (def 8).

Music. the adult male voice intermediate between the bass and the alto or countertenor. a part sung by or written for such a voice, especially the next to the lowest part in four-part harmony. a singer with such a voice. an instrument corresponding in compass to this voice, especially the viola. the lowest-toned bell of a peal.

quality, character, or condition.