musical glasses

American  

plural noun

1. a set of drinking glasses filled with varying amounts of water to produce ringing tones of different pitches when the player's finger is rubbed around the wet rims.

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musical glasses British  

plural noun

1. another term for glass harmonica

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Etymology

Origin of musical glasses

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

Tribute to Foster''* which called for the use of musical glasses and bowls.

From Time Magazine Archive

Hopeful sufferers sat around the tubs clutching at protruding iron rods while harmoniums, pianos and musical glasses tinkled and Mesmer and assistants in purple silk coats hovered about.

From Time Magazine Archive

Garland represented Field as discussing social and economic problems—why not the "musical glasses," deponent saith not.

From Eugene Field, a Study in Heredity and Contradictions — Volume 2 by Thompson, Slason

This was followed by a second wail, in the same style, but shrill, like the sound of musical glasses, and giving a similar shiver to the nerves.

From The Continental Monthly, Vol. 1, No. 1, January 1862 Devoted to Literature and National Policy by Various

Gretchen's eye fell upon the musical glasses, which were among the few things that she had brought from the East and which had belonged to her old German home.

From The Log School-House on the Columbia by Butterworth, Hezekiah