alt i scope

[Lat. alt us = high, and Eng. -scope.] An instrument enabling the observer to look over anything that intervenes between him and the objects he desires to see. al-tis-on-ant, al-tis-on-ous, a . [In Sp., Port., & Ital. alt is on ante ; Sp. & Port. altisono; Lat. alt is on us = high sounding: alt us = high; sonans, pr. par. of so no to sound or from son us a sound.] High sounding; of lofty or pompous sound. "Speculative and positive doctrines, and altisonant phrases."-Evelyn.