kettledrum Meaning, Definition & Usage
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noun a large hemispherical brass or copper percussion instrument with a drumhead that can be tuned by adjusting the tension on it
timpani; kettle; tympanum; tympani.
WordNet
Ket"tle*drum` noun
Definitions
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(Mus.) A drum made of thin copper in the form of a hemispherical kettle, with parchment stretched over the mouth of it. ✍ Kettledrums, in pairs, were formerly used in martial music for cavalry, but are now chiefly confined to orchestras, where they are called tympani. -
An informal social party at which a light collation is offered, held in the afternoon or early evening. Cf. Drum , n., 4 and 5.
