noun
long musical segment in Noh
A specific term in Noh theater: a long, musically highlighted segment that forms the climax of a play.
能のクセは、囃子と謡が一体となった見せ場です。
The kuse in Noh is a highlight where the instrumental ensemble and chanting come together.
noun, used as a prefix
Used as a prefix in compounds like 曲者 (くせもの, 'suspicious person') to indicate something amiss or not right. Not used as a standalone adjective.
See also: 曲者
「曲者」の「曲」は、正しくない、怪しいという意味を表します。
The 曲 in 曲者 expresses the meaning of 'wrong' or 'suspicious'.
A common compound using the prefix 曲 (くせ) meaning 'suspicious person' or 'tricky fellow'.
The Noh term is a specialized use of 曲 (くせ), originally meaning 'bend' or 'twist', referring to the musical curve or highlight. The prefix use derives from the idea of something being bent or not straight, hence 'wrong' or 'improper'.