‖ phorminx
(ˈfɔːmɪŋks)
[mod.L., a. Gr. ϕόρµιγξ.]
A stringed instrument of the harp class; a kind of cithara or lyre used by the ancient Greeks as an accompaniment to the voice.
| 1776 Burney Hist. Mus. I. 344 The cithara may in ancient times have been thought inferior to the phorminx, as the modern guitar is esteemed at present a trivial and effeminate instrument, when compared with the double harp. 1856 Mrs. Browning Aur. Leigh i. 979 We beat the phorminx till we hurt our thumbs. |