Probably an Etruscan word signifying crooked. 1. The crooked staff borne by the augurs, with which they divided the expanse of heaven, when viewed with reference to divination, into regions. It is very frequently exhibited upon works of art. 2. A sort of trumpet slightly curved at the extremity. It differed both from the tuba and the cornu, the former being straight, while the latter was bent round into a spiral shape. Its tones are usually characterized as harsh and shrill. - Smith, 1873