sackbut

American  

[sak-buht] / ˈsækˌbʌt /

noun

1. a medieval form of the trombone.

2. Bible. an ancient stringed musical instrument. Daniel 3.

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sackbut British  

/ ˈsækˌbʌt /

noun

1. a medieval form of trombone

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Etymology

Origin of sackbut

First recorded in 1530–40; Early Modern English sagbut, sagbot, sagbout, from Middle French saquebute, from Old North French saqueboute, saquebot(t)e originally, a kind of hooked lance, equivalent to saquier “to pull” + (possibly) bouter “to push”; see origin at saccade, butt ³

Example Sentences

Here, stark and stiff, lies the brave young fellow Sackbut, who had fired the bush on the first landing of the savages.

From The Island of Gold A Sailor's Yarn by Stables, Gordon

But just as Lieblich Gedacht was going away, Sackbut called him back and gave him a walnut, and said: 'Whenever you are in danger and want my help, crack this.

From The Blue Rose Fairy Book by Baring, Maurice

Harringay, the artist, thought there was nothing in her, but Sackbut, the art critic, was inclined to admire her bones.

From Certain Personal Matters by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)

At last one day he remembered the walnut which Sackbut had given him.

From The Blue Rose Fairy Book by Baring, Maurice

Tunley had scarce got the better of his agitation, when his wife, entering the room, told them, by way of news, that some waggish body had sent Mr. Sackbut the curate to pray with her.

From The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle by Smollett, T. (Tobias)