Turkish crescent

noun

: a percussion instrument consisting of a long stick with attached crescents and other ornate shapes from which hang small bells and jingles that are sounded by shaking the stick

called also Chinese crescent, Chinese pavilion, jingling Johnnie, jingling Johnny, pavillon chinois

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!