Word Study
kettledrum
CIDE DICTIONARY
kettledrum, n.
- A drum made of thin copper in the form of a hemispherical kettle, with parchment stretched over the mouth of it. [1913 Webster]"
Kettledrums , in pairs, were formerly used in martial music for cavalry, but are now chiefly confined to orchestras, where they are calledtympani ." [1913 Webster] - An informal social party at which a light collation is offered, held in the afternoon or early evening. Cf. Drum,
n. , 4 and 5. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
kettledrum, n. a large drum shaped like a bowl with a membrane adjustable for tension (and so pitch) stretched across.
Derivative
kettledrummer n.
THESAURUS
kettledrum
bongo drum, conga, drum, drumhead, drumskin, drumstick, jazz stick, kettle, membranophone, side drum, snare, snare drum, tabor, taboret, tabret, tam-tam, tambourine, tenor drum, timbrel, timpani, tom-tom, troll-drum, tymp stick, tympan, tympanon, tympanum, war drumFor further exploring for "kettledrum" in Webster Dictionary Online