The Collaborative International Dictionary
shalm
Shawm \Shawm\, n. [OE. shalmie, OF. chalemie; cf. F. chalumeau
shawm, chaume haulm, stalk; all fr. L. calamus a reed, reed
pipe. See Haulm, and cf. Calumet.] (Mus.)
A wind instrument of music, formerly in use, supposed to have
resembled either the clarinet or the hautboy in form.
[Written also shalm, shaum.]
--Otway.
Even from the shrillest shaum unto the cornamute.
--Drayton.