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• Jew's harp
  Jew's harp

  noun

  a small, simple musical instrument consisting of a lyre-shaped metal frame containing a metal tongue, which is plucked while the frame is held in the teeth, the vibrations causing twanging tones.
• jew's-harp
  jew's-harp

  noun

  a musical instrument consisting of a small lyre-shaped metal frame held between the teeth, with a steel tongue plucked with the finger. Changes in pitch are produced by varying the size of the mouth cavities

Jew's harp

American  

Or Jews' harp

noun

1. (sometimes lowercase) a small, simple musical instrument consisting of a lyre-shaped metal frame containing a metal tongue, which is plucked while the frame is held in the teeth, the vibrations causing twanging tones.

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jew's-harp British  

noun

1. a musical instrument consisting of a small lyre-shaped metal frame held between the teeth, with a steel tongue plucked with the finger. Changes in pitch are produced by varying the size of the mouth cavities

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Etymology

Origin of Jew's harp

First recorded in 1585–95; perhaps jocular; earlier called Jew's trump

Example Sentences

It sounds something like a Jew’s harp, but much louder.

From Slate • Sep. 30, 2018

It's me for a Jew's harp and a line of novels," said Henty; "no lumbering for mine this winter.

From A Canadian Bankclerk by Buschlen, J. P.

Geillis Duncan was the only instrumental performer, and she played on a Jew's harp, called in Scotland a trump.

From Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft by Scott, Walter, Sir

Our gallery gods immortalize thy song; Thy Newgate thefts impart ecstatic pleasure; Thou bid'st a Jew's harp charm a Christian throng, A Gothic salt-box teem with attic treasure.

From A History of Pantomime by Broadbent, R. J.

On the E.N.E. there is a large white marking, resembling a "Jew's harp" in shape, and farther on, towards the E., a number of very remarkable ridges.

From The Moon A Full Description and Map of its Principal Physical Features by Elger, Thomas Gwyn