Barbitus
/ˈbɑːr.bɪ.təs/noun
An ancient Greek stringed musical instrument resembling a lyre, with a long neck and deep tone.
Did you know?The barbitus was associated with ancient Greek musicians and is often described as a long-necked relative of the lyre, though its exact construction remains uncertain.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
βάρβιτος (barbitos)
“A long-necked stringed instrument, related to the lyre”
Classical Antiquity
Greek
βάρβιτον (barbiton)
“A barbitus or similar deep-toned stringed instrument”
Latin Antiquity
Latin
barbitus
“The Greek stringed instrument, borrowed into Latin”
16th–17th Century
Neo-Latin
barbitus
“A learned classical name for the ancient instrument”
Modern English
English
barbitus
“A rare English term for the ancient Greek barbiton”
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