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

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

As the dinner progressed, Claire found that she was to be relieved of her post at the piano by the continuous rumblings of the orchestrion.

From The Blood Red Dawn by Dobie, Charles Caldwell

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 Wodehouse, P. G. (Pelham Grenville)

With stiff wooden legs, they swept on in a never-ending race, while a great orchestrion clamored in wild speed.

From Men, Women, and Boats by Crane, Stephen

Raymond finally said to me, one evening, in the shadow of the orchestrion.

From On the Stairs by Fuller, Henry Blake