jew's-harp Hear it!

jew's-harp Definition

jew's·-harp (jo̵̅o̅z′härp′)

noun

a small musical instrument consisting of a lyre-shaped metal frame held between the teeth and played by plucking a projecting bent piece with the finger: it produces twanging tones

Etymology: earlier Jew's trump, altered (by assoc. with Jew) < Du jeugdtromp, child's trumpet < jeugd, youth (confused in Eng with ME Judeu, Jew) + tromp, trumpet < OFr trompe: see trump

Browse dictionary entries near jew's-harp

  1. ‹ jew
  2. ‹ jeunesse
  3. ‹ jeune fille
  4. ‹ jeu de mots
  5. ‹ jeu d'esprit
  6. ‹ jeu
  7. ‹ Jetway
  8. ‹ jetty
  9. ‹ jettison
  10. ‹ jetsam
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