dumb spinet

2 definitions found

dumb spinet - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Spinet \Spin"et\, n. [OF. espinete, F. ['e]pinette (cf. It.
     spinetta), fr. L. spina a thorn; -- so called because its
     quills resemble thorns. See Spine.] (Mus.)
     A keyed instrument of music resembling a harpsichord, but
     smaller, with one string of brass or steel wire to each note,
     sounded by means of leather or quill plectrums or jacks. It
     was formerly much used.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Dumb spinet. (Mus.) See Manichordon.
        [1913 Webster]

  Manichord \Man"i*chord\, Manichordon \Man`i*chor"don\, [L.
     monochordon, Gr. ?; -- so called because it orig. had only
     one string. See Monochord.] (Mus.)
     The clavichord or clarichord; -- called also dumb spinet.
     [1913 Webster]