banjo clock

American  

noun

1. a clock of the early 19th century in the U.S., having a drumlike case for the dial mounted on a narrow, tapering body, with a boxlike bottom containing the pendulum and its weight.

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Etymology

Origin of banjo clock

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

banjo clock

A banjo clock that would never again keep time but had a tiny cupboard where I kept the other trinkets I’d found.

From "Beyond the Bright Sea" by Lauren Wolk

The hours passed and the old banjo clock above the mantel wheezed eleven, twelve; then one, two.

From Tutt and Mr. Tutt by Arthur Cheney Train

The things might come out of storage now—wouldn't the banjo clock and the pineapple bed look wonderful in Holly Court!

From Undertow by Kathleen Thompson Norris

She loves our old things, the mahogany and the banjo clock, and the embroidered peacocks, and the Venetian heirlooms that belonged to Dad's family.

From Glory of Youth by Henry Hutt

So, you see, when a banjo clock comes your way there are various methods by which its genuineness can be tested.

From Christopher and the Clockmakers by William F. (William Frederick) Stecher