mandolin, -ine
(ˈmændəlɪn)
Also 8 mandarin; and in It. form mandolino.
[ad. F. mandoline, ad. It. mandolino, dim. of mandola (see prec.).]
1. A musical instrument of the lute kind having from four to six metal strings stretched upon a deeply-rounded body.
| 1707 in Ashton Soc. Life Q. Anne (1882) II. 38 Signior Conti will play..on the Mandoline, an instrument not known yet. 1758 J. Clephane in Fam. Rose Kilr. (Spald. Club) 461 The guitarre, or the mandolino, as it is called here by our London ladies. 1766 Smollett Trav. 122 An excellent performer on the lute and mandolin. 1783 F. Burney Diary 1 Jan., A solo air, accompanied by the mandoline,..has a mighty pretty effect. 1796 Pegge Anonym. (1809) 104 When the instrument now coming into use is called a Mandarin, we are led to think it to be something used by the Chinese Lords or Mandarins; but the truer pronunciation is Mandolin. 1856 Mrs. C. Clarke tr. Berlioz' Instrument. 70 The mandolin has almost fallen into desuetude at present. 1863 Sala About Shrimpington 102 A mandolin all covered with lacquer work. |
2. transf. A kitchen utensil fitted with cutting blades and used for slicing vegetables. Usu. spelt mandoline.
| 1951 E. David French Country Cooking 19 A vegetable slicer which goes by the charming name of Mandoline. 1959 Times 16 Nov. 15/4 Slice the peeled potatoes evenly and thinly (a slicing device known as a mandoline makes this task a matter of moments). 1961 Spectator 25 Aug. 270 With the aid of that blessed instrument called a mandoline the cucumber is thinly and evenly sliced. 1969 Daily Tel. 16 Jan. 17 Arrange a chopping board, sharp knife, grater and cucumber slice (or mandoline) around the colourful basket of raw vegetables. 1975 Habitat Catal. 68 Mandolin... Wood frame stainless steel slicer and crinkle cutter. |
Hence ˈmandolinist, a performer on the mandolin.
| 1888 Daily News 14 May 3/3 A company of Neapolitan mandolinists and singers. |