viellist
English edit
Etymology edit
Noun edit
viellist (plural viellists)
Usage notes edit
There are two instruments called the vielle in both French and English. One has no other common English name; the other is mainly known as a hurdy-gurdy. In English, a viellist may play either one, but the hurdy-gurdy is much more common. Due to the instrument's close association with France, a French player of the hurdy-gurdy -- or a non-French player who is performing French music -- is more likely to be called a viellist, while other players are more likely to be called hurdy-gurdyists.