Citole
/ˈsɪt.oʊl/noun
A medieval stringed musical instrument, similar to a cittern or lute.
Did you know?The citole’s name is tied to a long musical lineage from Greek *kithara*, the prestigious stringed instrument whose descendants helped shape several European instrument names.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
kithara
“A lyre-like stringed instrument used in formal music and performance.”
Latin
Latin
cithara
“A borrowed term for the Greek stringed instrument.”
Old French
Old French
citole
“A medieval stringed instrument.”
Middle English
English
citole
“A plucked stringed instrument used in medieval music.”
Modern English
English
citole
“A historical term for a medieval stringed instrument.”