Search Result for "jew`s-harp":

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Jew's-harp \Jew's-harp`\, n. [Jew + harp; or possibly a corrupt. of jaw's harp; cf. G. maultrommel, lit., mouthdrum.] 1. An instrument of music, which, when placed between the teeth, gives, by means of a bent metal tongue struck by the finger, a sound which is modulated by the breath; -- called also Jew's-trump. [1913 Webster] 2. (Naut.) The shackle for joining a chain cable to an anchor. [1913 Webster] Jew's-stone
The Devil's Dictionary (1881-1906):

JEWS-HARP, n. An unmusical instrument, played by holding it fast with the teeth and trying to brush it away with the finger.