Lute

(loot.) [Fr.luth. ] (Mus.) A former favorite stringed instrument of the guitar kind, containing originally only 5 strings, to which were afterwards added 6 more. It is of high antiquity, and is played by striking the strings with the right hand, and pre ing the stops with the left. (Chem.) [From L. lu tum, clay.] A kind of paste or cement made of potter's clay, sand, and other materials, and used for closing up the necks of retorts, [s. 561]