dc écrit:
The oldest source mentioned in the OED is from the following century.
1. A stringed musical instrument, much in vogue from the 14th to the 17th
centuries, the strings of which are struck with the fingers of the right
hand and stopped on the frets with those of the left.
13612 Durham Acc. Rolls 127 In uno viro ludenti in uno loyt.
c1386 Chaucer Manciples T. 268 For sorwe of which he brak his
minstralcye, Bothe harpe, and lute, and giterne, and sautrye.
But see here:
<http://books.google.com/books?id=2pWBZd20P6oC&pg=PA11&lpg=PA11&dq=lute+1295&source=bl&ots=gtRDKsvU1-&sig=OK1xows_6bHKlFr4WLDBea6rDvM&hl=en&ei=c5gfS9XFIYf64AbVi4naCg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CBAQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=&f=false>
The lute player, 'Janin Le Lutour' was among the King's minstrels, and is
the earliest lute player in England whose career can be traced. He first
appears in royal accounts in 1285 as 'Johann Le Leutour'. He is listed
among the Prince ol Wales's minstrels for the years 1295-1303, and
thereafter remained in royal service until Edward I's death in 1307.
There's also a reproduction of the "Westminster Festival Roll" showing
payment to "Janin Le Lutour" on the preceding page.
Dennis
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