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sackbut definition

sack·but (sak′but′)

noun

  1. a medieval wind instrument, forerunner of the trombone

  2. Etymology: incorrect transl. of Aram sabecha

    Bible a stringed instrument resembling a lyre: Dan. 3:5

Etymology: MFr, saquebute, sackbut, earlier, hooked lance for fighting on horseback < OFr saquer, to draw, pull < VL *saccare, to pull (from a sack) < L saccus, sack + OFr bouter, to push, butt

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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