KETTLEDRUM • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Kettledrum

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noun

Kettledrum n.

(Mus.) A drum made of thin copper in the form of a hemispherical kettle, with parchment stretched over the mouth of it. Note: Kettledrums, in pairs, were formerly used in martial music for cavalry, but are now chiefly confined to orchestras, where they are called tympani.

An informal social party at which a light collation is offered, held in the afternoon or early evening. Cf. Drum, n., 4 and 5.

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Etymology of 'Kettledrum'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Kettledrum" Quotes from Famous Books

... few years, a species of entertainment of a past generation has been revived in England, and some attempts have been made to introduce it in this country. It was, and is, called the "Kettledrum." Tea and coffee, with biscuit and cake, are served round from five to half-past five. Any one in the visiting circle of the house may go without an invitation; the dress is full morning dress, and the guests dance until seven o'clock. From them guests often go to dinner ...

— Frost's Laws and By-Laws of American Society • Sarah Annie Frost

... kind of brocade. Nachetti, silk stuff interwoven with gold. Nakhut, gold brocade. Nakkara (Naccara, Nacaires), the great kettledrum signalling action. Nakshatra. Nalanda. Nan-Chao, formerly Ai-Lao, Shan dynasty in Yun-nan. Nancouri. Nanghin (Ngan-king). Nangiass, Mongol name of Manzi. Nankau, archway in Pass of, with polyglot inscription. ...

— The Travels of Marco Polo, Volume 2 • Marco Polo and Rustichello of Pisa

Words linked to "Kettledrum" : kettle, percussion instrument, tympani