The Collaborative International Dictionary
Jew's-harp \Jew's-harp`\, n. [Jew + harp; or possibly a corrupt. of jaw's harp; cf. G. maultrommel, lit., mouthdrum.]
An instrument of music, which, when placed between the teeth, gives, by means of a bent metal tongue struck by the finger, a sound which is modulated by the breath; -- called also Jew's-trump.
(Naut.) The shackle for joining a chain cable to an anchor.
Usage examples of "jew's-harp".
He is a harmless enough fellow, Parker by name, a garroter by trade, and a remarkable performer upon the jew's-harp.
In his very early years, his pockets were gone through with every morning when he entered the school door, and the contents, when confiscated, would comprise a jew's-harp, a bit of catgut, screws whittled out of wood, tacks, spools, pins, and the like.