[Fr.:—OF. chalemel = Pr. calamel:—L. calamell-us, dim. of calam-us reed. Cf. CALUMET.] a. A pastoral instrument of music; a reed, pipe. b. The lowest register of the clarinet.
1713. Lond. Gaz., No. 5106/2. Two hundred of their People riding … with Timbals and Chalumeaux.
1829. Scott, Anne of G. (Black), 658/1. Who listened to the husband’s or lover’s chalumeau.
1879. Grove, Dict. Mus., I. 361.
