Shawm (?), n. [OE. shalmie, OF. chalemie; cf. F. chalumeau shawm, chaume haulm, stalk; all fr. L. calamus a reed, reed pipe. See Haulm, and cf. Calumet.] Mus.

A wind instrument of music, formerly in use, supposed to have resembled either the clarinet or the hautboy in form.

[Written also shalm, shaum.]

Otway.

Even from the shrillest shaum unto the cornamute. Drayton.

 

© Webster 1913.