lira da braccio

noun

li·​ra da braccio ˈlir-ə-də-ˈbrä-(ˌ)chō How to pronounce lira da braccio (audio)
plural liras da braccio
: a bowed stringed instrument of the 15th and 16th centuries played on the shoulder with five strings over the fingerboard and two drone strings

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lira da braccio was circa 1924

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Cite this Entry

“Lira da braccio.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lira%20da%20braccio. Accessed 5 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Entry added
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