1841–4 R. W. Emerson Poet in (1906) I. 157 We hear, through all the varied music, the ground-tone of conventional life.
1874 H. R. Reynolds iii. §3. 199 David's psalms reveal the ground-tone and key-notes of Nathan's prophecies.
1909 8 Mar. 5/2 Her sash will repeat the ground-tone of her dress.