hand-organ

A street musician plays a hand-organ for a small crowd.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A portable musical instrument that produces sound by rotating a handle, which turns a cylinder with pins that pluck metal reeds or operate bellows. It is a type of mechanical organ operated by hand, often associated with street performers.

Usage Examples

• (A portable mechanical organ operated by hand.)
• (A historical instrument used for public entertainment.)

Advanced Usage

• "to crank a hand-organ": to operate the instrument by turning its handle.

  • He cranked the hand-organ slowly to produce a gentle melody. (He turned the handle to play the instrument.)

• "hand-organ player": a person who plays this instrument, often accompanied by a monkey or other animal in traditional performances.

  • The hand-organ player entertained the crowd with his lively music. (A performer specializing in this instrument.)

Variants and Related Words

• Barrel organ (n): another name for a hand-organ, especially one that is larger and mounted on a cart or stand.

  • The barrel organ at the fair had a rich, full sound. (A larger version of the hand-organ.)

• Organ grinder (n): a person who plays a hand-organ, historically often with a monkey.

  • The organ grinder and his monkey were a common sight in 19th-century cities. (A performer who operates a hand-organ.)

Synonyms

• Barrel organ: a mechanical organ with a rotating cylinder.
• Street organ: a hand-organ used in public spaces.

Related Idioms

• "To play the hand-organ": not a common idiom, but used literally to mean operating the instrument.
  • He learned to play the hand-organ from his grandfather. (To operate a hand-organ for musical performance.)

Notes

• The hand-organ is distinct from a pipe organ or electronic organ; it is purely mechanical and portable.
• In modern times, hand-organs are rare but still used by some traditional musicians and collectors.