Dictionary
hurdy–gurdy
noun hur·dy–gur·dy \ˌhər-dē-ˈgər-dē, ˈhər-dē-ˌ\
: a stringed musical instrument that is played by turning a handle
plural hur·dy–gurdies
Full Definition of HURDY-GURDY
1
: a stringed instrument in which sound is produced by the friction of a rosined wheel turned by a crank against the strings and the pitches are varied by keys
2
: any of various mechanical musical instruments (as the barrel organ)
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Illustration of HURDY-GURDY
Origin of HURDY-GURDY
probably imitative
First Known Use: 1749
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