union pipes, n. pl.
[? ad. Ir. p{iacu}ob uilleann, f. p{iacu}ob pipe + uilleann, gen. sing. of uille elbow.]
A form of bagpipes in which the wind-bag is inflated by bellows worked by the elbow; Irish bagpipes.
| 1851–61 Mayhew Lond. Labour III. 163/1 The union pipes are the old Irish pipes improved. 1877 R. Bell Early Ballads, etc. 441 We first heard it sung in Malhamdale, Yorkshire, by..an old Dales'-minstrel, who accompanied himself on the union-pipes. |