Meaning of hurdy-gurdy | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A stringed instrument that produces a droning sound by turning a handle that connects to a wheel that rubs against a rosined string, with a keyboard also used to alter the pitch of the string.
2. Synonym of street organ, often considered a misnomer.
3. A water wheel with radial buckets, driven by the impact of a jet.
   California, US
4. A winch, a windlass.

Equivalents

Examples

“He flung open⟳ the door, and found there only a ragged boy with a hurdy-gurdy on his back.”

“A pair of oars, a small mast and sail⟳, pen boards to contain⟳ the fish⟳, a bailer, a water jar, a bait knife, a compass, a small wooden winch called a hurdy gurdy, a fish⟳ gaff, and the tubs, trawls, floats, and anchors used to set⟳ gear was all that was required to equip it.”

CEFR level