Cym"bal (s&ibreve;m"bal). n.
[OE. cimbale, simbale, OF. cimbale, F.
cymbale, L. cymbalum, fr. Gr. ky`mbalon,
fr. ky`mbh, ky`mbos, anything hollow,
hollow vessel, basin, akin to Skr. kumbha pot. Cf.
Chime.] 1. A musical instrument used
by the ancients. It is supposed to have been similar to the
modern kettle drum, though perhaps smaller.
2. A musical instrument of brass, shaped
like a circular dish or a flat plate, with a handle at the back;
-- used in pairs to produce a sharp ringing sound by clashing
them together.
&fist; In orchestras, one cymbal is commonly attached to the
bass drum, and the other heid in the drummer's left hand, while
his right hand uses the drumstick.
3. A musical instrument used by gypsies
and others, made of steel wire, in a triangular form, on which
are movable rings.
