Graculus

/ˈɡræk.jə.ləs/ noun

Definition

A medieval musical instrument, possibly a type of stringed instrument or early form of harp used in ceremonial contexts.

Etymology

From Late Latin graculus, possibly derived from Vulgar Latin or a Romance language source. The exact etymology is obscure, but it may relate to Greek or Germanic roots connected to string instruments.

Kelly Says

Medieval musical instrument names are often mysterious because so few survived and documentation was spotty—graculus appears in old monastery records but disappeared from use, leaving historians to piece together what it actually sounded like.

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