orchestrion

American  

[awr-kes-tree-uhn] / ɔrˈkɛs tri ən /

noun

1. a mechanical musical instrument, resembling a barrel organ but more elaborate, for producing the effect of an orchestra.

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Etymology

Origin of orchestrion

1830–40; orchestr(a) + -ion, as in accordion

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

orchestrion

See, for instance, the music room, where a brass-looking, water-spewing elephant trunk fuels the instruments, including an ornate orchestrion.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 16, 2023

On the right hand side of the room is a huge orchestrion or monster music-box, and by its side is a raised platform, occupied by the orchestra employed at the place. 

From Lights and Shadows of New York Life or, the Sights and Sensations of the Great City by James Dabney McCabe

There was only one instrument in the house which could create this infernal din—the orchestrion in the drawing-room, immediately above which, he recalled, his room was situated.

From The Girl on the Boat by P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse

What is known as the "orchestrion" is a gigantic musical machine popular in summer gardens, restaurants and various similar places of public resort.

From The Cassowary What Chanced in the Cleft Mountains by Stanley Waterloo

Leverage shook his head sadly and passed on as Carroll and Evelyn disappeared behind the din of an orchestrion.

From Midnight by Octavus Roy Cohen

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