Obs. rare. [Echoic reduplication: see STRUM v.] A rude stringed instrument (see quots.).
1697. Dampier, Voy., I. 127. The Strumstrum is made somewhat like a Cittern; most of those that the Indians use are made of a large Goad cut in the midst, and a thin board laid over the hollow,… over which the strings are placed.
1728. [? De Foe], Capt. G. Carleton’s Mem. (1743), 279. Their Guitars, if not their Sole, are their darling Instruments, and what they most delight in: Tho’ in my Opinion our English Sailors are not much amiss in giving them the Title of Strum Strums.
