Hocket

In 13th- and 14th-century polyphony, a peculiar device consisting of the rapid alternation of two voices with single notes or short groups of notes, one part having a rest while the other sounds.  Theorists of the 13th century mention "hoketus" not only as a technique to be used within a composition but also as an independent musical form.  They probably mean pieces in which hocket technique is used consistently between the two upper parts.

(see Glossary entry)