Clavicor

/ˈklævɪkɔːr/ noun

Definition

An archaic or rare keyboard stringed instrument whose exact form and function are unclear from historical records.

Etymology

From Latin 'clavis' (key) + 'cornu' (horn) or 'chorda' (string), suggesting a keyboard instrument with horn-like or string-based sound production.

Kelly Says

The term 'clavicor' appears primarily in obscure Renaissance music inventories and references, making it a ghost instrument of music history—we know it existed, but descriptions are too vague to truly understand what players heard when they performed on one.

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