side drum

noun

1. snare drum.

side drum

noun

1. a small double-headed drum carried at the side with snares that produce a rattling effect

Word History and Origins

Origin of side drum¹

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

Then the bottom was removed from the big butter box, the side drum severed, and one end securely fastened under the front end of the toboggan bottom.

From Project Gutenberg

The two halves are kept open by a slight spring fixed to a frame attached to the hoop of a side drum, and the instrument is worked by the drummer with an ordinary drum-stick.

From Project Gutenberg

The side drum can be muffled by loosening the snares or by inserting a piece of silk or cloth between the snares and the parchment.

From Project Gutenberg

With Drummer Price, an expert of many years' service with the side drum, and L/Cpl.

From Project Gutenberg

The old cylindrical ear-piercing fife is an obsolete instrument, being superseded by a small army flute, still, however, called a fife, used with the side drum in the drum and fife band.

From Project Gutenberg