lira de braccio

noun

li·​ra de braccio ˈlir-ə-də-ˈbrä-(ˌ)chō 

plural liras da braccio

: a bowed stringed instrument of the 15th and 16th centuries played on the shoulder with five strings over the fingerboard and two drone strings

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1924, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now