Antiq. [L.; a. Gr. κρόταλον clapper, castanet, rattle.]
A sort of clapper or castanet used in ancient Greece and elsewhere in religious dances.
1727–51. Chambers, Cycl., s.v., The crotalum … consisted of two little brass plates, or rods, which were shaken in the hand.
1822. T. Taylor, Apuleius, ix. 194. I was again led forth to the journey … accompanied by crotala and cymbals.
1864. Engel, Mus. Anc. Nat., 225. Crotala, clappers, or castanets, were made use of by most ancient nations in religious performances.
