[f. VOCAL a. + -ION.] A musical instrument of the nature of a harmonium with broad reeds, producing sounds somewhat resembling the human voice.
Invented in 1882 by J. Baillie Hamilton.
1882. Daily News, 17 April, 2/2. The vocalion resembles in form a small organ, and is constructed of various dimensions, some having but one row of keys (or manuals), others having two keyboards and pedals.
1889. Grove, Dict. Mus., IV. 320. A main peculiarity of the Vocalion is that the reeds are placed above the pallets and below the slides.
