castanet

[ kas-tuh-net ]

/ ˌkæs təˈnɛt /

either of a pair of concave pieces of wood held in the palm of the hand and clicked together, usually to accompany dancing.

Origin of castanet

1640–50; < Spanish castañeta, equivalent to castañ(a) chestnut (< Latin castanea) + -eta diminutive suffix; see -et, -ette

Castanets are also sometimes used in military bands and are then specially constructed.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 4 |Various
She said that the castanets have always been a power for good.

The Little Spanish Dancer |Madeline Brandeis
She hummed a tune to herself, rattling a pair of castanets slightly now and then.

Within the Tides |Joseph Conrad
Oh, then, it must have been the magic of the castanets that brought us all this good fortune, Grandfather!

The Little Spanish Dancer |Madeline Brandeis

She stamped her foot now, and the castanets were sharp, exasperated.

The Bright Shawl |Joseph Hergesheimer

castanets

/ (ˌkæstəˈnɛts) /

curved pieces of hollow wood, usually held between the fingers and thumb and made to click together: used esp by Spanish dancers

C17 castanet, from Spanish castañeta, diminutive of castaña chestnut