SERPENT, a musical instrument, serving as a bass to the cornet or small shawm, to sustain a chorus of singers in a large edifice.—It has its name serpent, from its figure; as consisting of several folds or wreaths, which serve to reduce its length, which would otherwise be six or seven feet.—It is usually covered with leather; and consists of three parts, a mouth-piece, a
neck, and a tail. It has six holes, by means whereof it takes in the compass of two octaves.