What is "figurative descant"

Figurative \Fig"ur*a*tive\, a. [L. figurativus: cf. F. figuratif. See Figurative.]

1. Representing by a figure, or by resemblance; typical; representative.

   This, they will say, was figurative, and served, by God's appointment, but for a time, to shadow out the true glory of a more divine sanctity.
   --Hooker.

2. Used in a sense that is tropical, as a metaphor; not literal; -- applied to words and expressions.

3. Abounding in figures of speech; flowery; florid; as, a highly figurative description.

4. Relating to the representation of form or figure by drawing, carving, etc. See Figure, n., 2.

   They belonged to a nation dedicated to the figurative arts, and they wrote for a public familiar with painted form.
   --J. A. Symonds.

   Figurative counterpoint or Figurative descant. See under Figurate. -- Fig"ur*a*tive*ly, adv. -- Fig"ur*a*tive*ness, n.