Kettle-drum

A drum formed by stretching vellum over the circular edge of a hemispherical ve el of bra or copper. This instrument, which gives forth a sharp, ringing sound, is used in Europe by regiments of cavalry and horse-artillery in lieu of the ordinary cylindrical drum, which would, from its shape, be inconvenient on horseback. Kettle-drums are not used in the U. S. military service.