Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Counterpoint \Coun"ter*point`\, n. [OF. contrepoincte,
   corruption of earlier counstepointe, countepointe, F.
   courtepointe, fr. L. culcita cushion, mattress (see {Quilt},
   and cf. {Cushion}) + puncta, fem. p. p. of pungere to prick
   (see {Point}). The word properly meant a stitched quilt, with
   the colors broken one into another.]
   A coverlet; a cover for a bed, often stitched or broken into
   squares; a counterpane. See 1st {Counterpane}.

         Embroidered coverlets or counterpoints of purple silk.
                                                  --Sir T.
                                                  North.

Counterpoint \Coun"ter*point`\ (koun"t?r-point`), n. [Counter- +
   point.]
   An opposite point [Obs.] --Sir E. Sandys.

Counterpoint \Coun"ter*point`\, n. [F. contrepoint; cf. It.
   contrappunto. Cf. {Contrapuntal}.] (Mus.)
   (a) The setting of note against note in harmony; the adding
       of one or more parts to a given {canto fermo} or melody.
   (b) The art of polyphony, or composite melody, i. e., melody
       not single, but moving attended by one or more related
       melodies.
   (c) Music in parts; part writing; harmony; polyphonic music.
       See {Polyphony}.

             Counterpoint, an invention equivalent to a new
             creation of music.                   --Whewell.

Source : WordNet®

counterpoint
     n : a musical form involving the simultaneous sound of two or
         more melodies
     v 1: to show differences when compared; be different; "the
          students contrast considerably in their artistic
          abilities" [syn: {contrast}]
     2: write in counterpoint; "Bach perfected the art of
        counterpointing"