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trumpet

1. A wind instrument of great antiquity, much used in war and military exercises, and of great value in the orchestra. In consists of a long metallic tube, curved (once or twice) into a convenient shape, and ending in a bell. Its scale in the lower octaves is limited to the first natural harmonics; but there are modern trumpets capable, by means of valves or pistons, of producing every tone within their compass, although at the expense of the true ringing quality of tone. The trumpet's loud clangor excites us to arms. (Dryden)

2. A trumpeter.

3. One who praises, or propagates praise, or is the instrument of propagating it. That great politician was pleased to have the greatest wit of those times . . . To be the trumpet of his praises. (Dryden)

4. (Science: machinery) A funnel, or short, fiaring pipe, used as a guide or conductor, as for yarn in a knitting machine. Ear trumpet. See Ear.

(Science: botany) sea trumpet See trumpetwood.

Origin: F. Trompette, dim. Of trompe. See Trump a trumpet.