Citole

/sɪˈtoʊl/ noun

Definition

A medieval stringed instrument played with a bow, similar to a vielle; a variant spelling of citola.

Etymology

Alternative spelling of 'citola,' from Old French 'citole' or 'ciole'; possibly from Latin 'cithara,' reflecting the ancient Greek lyre through Romance language evolution.

Kelly Says

The existence of multiple spellings—citole, citola, citler—shows us that medieval musicians didn't care much about standardized spelling; they just wanted their instruments to sound good.

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