Giterne

/ɡɪˈtɜːrn/ noun

Definition

A historical stringed musical instrument similar to a cittern or guitar, used in medieval and Renaissance Europe, particularly in folk and court music.

Etymology

From Old French and Medieval Latin sources, possibly related to 'cithara' (Greek lyre) through Romance language evolution. The giterne was a plucked string instrument popular in 13th-16th century Europe.

Kelly Says

The giterne is a ghost word in English—it was a real instrument, but we have so few pictures and recordings that it's like trying to understand a song you've only heard once!

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