Diminutive of Bass. In a passage or composition lacking a bass part, the lowest part, which executes the musical bass in a higher register. ‘Bassetl’ (diminutive of ‘double bass’) was the common term for cello in Austria and south Germany during the 18th century. ‘Bassett’ also specifies instruments in the baritone, tenor or alto range, (e.g. the basset-horn and basset clarinet). It is also an organ stop with flue pipes.