vielle

hurdy-gurdy

noun VYEL Rare

Usage Note

vielle (also called vielle à roue, hurdy-gurdy) is a medieval stringed instrument played with a hand-cranked wheel. Do not confuse it with vieille (old woman). The instrument enjoyed a revival in French folk music and is associated with Auvergne and Occitan traditions.

Examples

"Le musicien jouait de la vielle sur la place du marché."

Natural Translation

The musician was playing the hurdy-gurdy in the market square.

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