Shăwm, n.

n. [Written also shalm.] [N. H. Ger. schalmei, schalmeie, M. H. Ger. schalmie, schalemin, Dan. skalmeie, Sw. skallmeja, from O. Fr. chalemel, calimiel, N. Fr. chalumeau, Pr. calamel, caramel, Sp. caramillo, from Lat. calamus, a reed, reed-pipe.] (Mus.) A wind instrument of music, formerly in use, by some supposed to have the form of the clarionet; by others, of the hautboy. “Even from the shrillest shawm unto the cornamute.” Drayton.