Pronounced differently but spelled the same
I have many meanings from obscure to mundane
In a trip across water I get there before you
In precipitation amazing, a marvel to awe you
One naming of me means to acknowledge the praise
I move fastest in music as the violin maestro plays
Taught to children of all ages , or trip up they would
I was also much favored by a notorious Hood.
What am I?
“She'd become a governess. It was one of the few jobs a known lady could do. And she'd taken to it well. She'd sworn that if she did indeed ever find herself dancing on rooftops with chimney sweeps she'd beat herself to death with her own umbrella.”
― Hogfather