Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Syncope
Syn′co-pe
,Noun.
 [L. 
syncope
, syncopa
, Gr. [GREEK] a cutting up, a syncope; akin to [GREEK] to beat together, to cut up, cut short, weavy; σύν 
with + [GREEK] to strike, cut.] 1. 
(Gram.) 
An elision or retrenchment of one or more letters or syllables from the middle of a word; as, ne’er for never, ev'ry for every. 
4. 
A pause or cessation; suspension. 
[R.] 
Revely, and dance, and show,
Suffer a
Suffer a
syncope 
and solemn pause. Cowper.