shawm Meaning, Definition & Usage

Shawm noun

Etymology

OE. shalmie, OF. chalemie; cf. F. chalumeau shawm, chaume haulm, stalk; all fr. L. calamus a reed, reed pipe. See Haulm, and cf. Calumet.

Definitions

1. (Mus.) A wind instrument of music, formerly in use, supposed to have resembled either the clarinet or the hautboy in form. Written also shalm, shaum. Otway.

   Even from the shrillest shaum unto the cornamute. Drayton.