kettledrum

A large hemispherical drum, often made of copper or brass with a parchment head.

To drum (on the kettledrum); sound like a kettledrum.

A musical instrument used in military bands and in orchestras, consisting of a hollow brass hemisphere from 24 to 30 inches in diameter, over which is stretched a head of parchment.

A fashionable afternoon entertainment given by a woman chiefly to women. It is less formal than an evening party, and the ladyguests generally wear bonnets. Also drum.

A drum made of thin copper in the form of a hemispherical kettle, with parchment stretched over the mouth of it.

An informal social party at which a light collation is offered, held in the afternoon or early evening. Cf. Drum, n., 4 and 5.

A large hemispherical brass percussion instrument (one of the timpani) with a drumhead that can be tuned by adjusting its tension.

a large hemispherical brass or copper percussion instrument with a drumhead that can be tuned by adjusting the tension on it