A stringed instrument formerly much in use. It consists of
   four parts, namely, the table or front, the body, having nine or ten
   ribs or "sides," arranged like the divisions of a melon, the neck,
   which has nine or ten frets or divisions, and the head, or cross, in
   which the screws for tuning are inserted. The strings are struck with
   the right hand, and with the left the stops are pressed.