Found 2 items, similar to kettledrum.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: kettledrum kettledrum n : a large hemispherical brass or copper percussion instrument with a drumhead that can be tuned by adjusting the tension on it [syn: kettle, tympanum, tympani, timpani]
English → English (gcide) Definition: Kettledrum Kettledrum \Ket"tle*drum`\ (-dr[u^]m`), n. 1. (Mus.) A drum made of thin copper in the form of a hemispherical kettle, with parchment stretched over the mouth of it. [1913 Webster] Note: Kettledrums, in pairs, were formerly used in martial music for cavalry, but are now chiefly confined to orchestras, where they are called tympani. [1913 Webster] 2. An informal social party at which a light collation is offered, held in the afternoon or early evening. Cf. Drum, n., 4 and 5. [1913 Webster]