gittern

American  

[git-ern] / ˈgɪt ərn /

noun

1. cittern.

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gittern British  

/ ˈɡɪtɜːn /

noun

1. music an obsolete medieval stringed instrument resembling the guitar Compare cittern

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Etymology

Origin of gittern

C14: from Old French guiterne, ultimately from Old Spanish guitarra _guitar ; see _cittern

Example Sentences

On the same plate is given an illustration of the precious gittern at Warwick Castle, believed to date from about 1330, p. 75in which the thumb-hole is more clearly shown. 

From Springtime and Other Essays by Darwin, Francis, Sir

There was a flute, a viol, a gittern, a fiddle, and a drum; and behind the curtain, just outside the door, Nick could hear the master-player's low voice giving hasty orders to the others.

From Master Skylark by Bennett, John

Dost thou not see that for pleasure four several things combine,      Instruments four, harp, hautboy and gittern and psaltery?

From The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night, Volume I by Payne, John

I can only suppose that the author considers that the fact of the gittern and citole being sounded by plucking the strings, brings these instruments into alliance with the harp. 

From Springtime and Other Essays by Darwin, Francis, Sir

"Play, play, nevertheless," said the young landlady, handing Robin at the same time a measure of fine ale; then stooping as if to untie the knot that fastened the gittern, she whispered in his ear.

From The Buccaneer A Tale by Hall, S. C., Mrs.