frame drum

noun

: any of a class of small handheld drums with a narrow frame, usually a single membrane, and often disk jingles and that is held in one hand and struck with the hand or a stick

… the hand positions exhibited in the figures are very similar to positions used today in playing the frame drum of the Middle East.

—Theodore L. Burgh, Listening to the Artifacts, 2006

especially : tambourine

called also hand drum

Word History

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

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