1. A bowed stringed instrument of the viol family, popular in Renaissance and Baroque music, held between the legs.
Usage: musical instrument; also called viol da gamba or viola da gamba; historical

Examples

• The gambe was a favorite instrument in 16th-century European courts.
• She learned to play the gambe as part of her early music studies.
• The ensemble featured a gambe alongside violins and harpsichord.
• Bach wrote several compositions that include parts for the gambe.
• The gambe's warm, mellow tone made it ideal for chamber music.