CITTERN

cittern, cithern, cither, citole, gittern

(noun) a 16th century musical instrument resembling a guitar with a pear-shaped soundbox and wire strings

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

cittern (plural citterns)

A stringed instrument (chordophone), played with a plectrum (a pick), and most commonly possessing four wire strings and chromatic frets.

Hyponyms

• ceterone

Source: Wiktionary


Cit"tern, n. Etym: [L.cithara, Gr. Cithara, Gittern.] (Mus.)

Definition: An instrument shaped like a lute, but strung with wire and played with a quill or plectrum. [Written also cithern.] Shak.

Note: Not to be confounded with zither.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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In the 18th century, the Swedish government made coffee and its paraphernalia (including cups and dishes) illegal for its supposed ties to rebellious sentiment.

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