organistrum

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Noun

organistrum (plural organistrums or organistra)

1. (music) Any early form of hurdy-gurdy.
   • 1912, Frederick Converse Beach, The Americana:

     Those brought into use again were several forms of lutes, violins, and bagpipes, which were played upon proficiently by the "jongleurs," some of whom played also upon psalteries, organistrums, guitars, and tambours with great skill.