Cittern

//ˈsɪtən// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A stringed instrument (chordophone), played with a plectrum (a pick), and most commonly possessing four wire strings and chromatic frets, which is a precursor to the modern day guitar.

    "This discourse took us much time, till it was time to go to bed; but we being merry, we bade my Lady goodnight, and intended to have gone to the Post-house to drink, and hear a pretty girl play of the cittern (and indeed we should have lain there, but by a mistake we did not), but it was late, and we could not hear her, and the guard came to examine what we were; so we returned to our Inn and to bed, the page and I in one bed, and the two captains in another, all in one chamber, where we had very good mirth with our most abominable lodging."

  2. 2
    a 16th century musical instrument resembling a guitar with a pear-shaped soundbox and wire strings wordnet

Etymology

Blend of cither + gittern.

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