archlute

2 definitions found

archlute - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Theorbo \The*or"bo\, n. [F. th['e]orbe, t['e]orbe, formerly
     tuorbe, tiorbe, It. tiorba.] (Mus.)
     An instrument made like large lute, but having two necks,
     with two sets of pegs, the lower set holding the strings
     governed by frets, while to the upper set were attached the
     long bass strings used as open notes.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: A larger form of theorbo was also called the
           archlute, and was used chiefly, if not only, as an
           accompaniment to the voice. Both have long fallen into
           disuse.
           [1913 Webster]

  Archlute \Arch"lute\, Archilute \Arch"i*lute\, n. [Cf. F.
     archiluth, It. arciliuto.] (Mus.)
     A large theorbo, or double-necked lute, formerly in use,
     having the bass strings doubled with an octave, and the
     higher strings with a unison.
     [1913 Webster]