shawm, n. [OE. shalmie, OF. chalemie; cf. F. chalumeau shawm, chaume haulm, stalk; all fr. L. calamus a reed, reed pipe. See Haulm, and cf. Calumet.].

A wind instrument of music, formerly in use, supposed to have resembled either the clarinet or the hautboy in form. Otway. [1913 Webster]

"Even from the shrillest shaum unto the cornamute." [1913 Webster]

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OXFORD DICTIONARY

shawm, n. Mus. a medieval double-reed wind instrument with a sharp penetrating tone.

Etymology

ME f. OF chalemie, chalemel, chalemeaus (pl.), ult. f. L calamus f. Gk kalamos reed

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