Fauxbourdon

In plainsong, this term implies simple three part harmony, the plainsong being the top voice, and the two other voices each, respectively, a sixth and a fourth below the plainsong. This practice may have evolved from the English faburden, or vice-versa.Simple harmonization of plainsong in four parts with no polyphonic elaboration.In hymn singing, a fauxbourdon is a treble descant superimposed upon the melody sung by the congregation.