dulcimer

dul·ci·mer

noun \ˈdəl-sə-mər\

Definition of DULCIMER

1

: a stringed instrument of trapezoidal shape played with light hammers held in the hands

2

or dul·ci·more \-ˌmȯr\ : an American folk instrument with three or four strings stretched over an elongate fretted sound box that is held on the lap and played by plucking or strumming

Origin of DULCIMER

Middle English dowcemere, from Middle French doulcemer, from Old Italian dolcimelo, from dolce sweet, from Latin dulcis

First Known Use: 15th century