Flute

n. [Fr. flûte, O. Fr. flaûte, flahute, flahuste, Pr. & Sp. flauta, Pg. frauta, It. flauto, from Lat. flatus, a blowing, from flare, flatum, to blow, sound; whence N. H. Ger. flöte, M. H. Ger. flöite, vloîte, Dan. flöjte, D. fluit.

1Sense 1. A musical wind instrument, consisting of a hollow cylinder or pipe, with holes along its length, stopped by the fingers or by keys which are opened by the fingers. The modern flute is closed at the upper end, and blown with the mouth at a lateral hole.

The breathing flute's soft notes are heard around. Pope.

2Sense 2. (Arch.) A channel in a column or pillar; a perpendicular furrow or cavity, cut along the shaft of a column or pilaster; a fluting; a reed. It is used chiefly in the Ionic and Doric orders, sometimes in the Composite and Corinthian, rarely in the Tuscan.

3Sense 3. A similar channel or groove made in wood or other work, or in plaited muslin, as a lady's ruffle.

4Sense 4. A long, thin, French breakfast-roll. Simmonds.

5Sense 5. [Corrupted from float, q. v.] A large transport.

Armed en flute, having the guns in part taken out, as when used as a transport;—said of a war vessel. Lanier.

v. i. [Fr. flûter, Pr. flautar, Pg. frautar.] To play on a flute. Chaucer.