Vi′o-lin′--pi-a′no.
（Music.) A form of the pianoforte patented some thirty years since in England by Todd. It is intended to give the violin tone to the piano-strings by the pressure upon the string of an endless band covered with powdered resin like the bow of a fiddle. This is effected by the procure of the foot of the player upon a pedal, which puts the endless band in motion, and the band is caused to rub against the particular wire, as the key appertaining thereto is depressed by the finger of the player. This violin attachment was in addition to the usual hammer action; and was brought in as an auxiliary at pleasure. An instrument on this principle, termed the tetrachordion, was exhibited at the Paris Exposition of 1867 by its inventor, M. Baudet. In this each string consists of a single wire, and is surrounded by a tuft of fiber, the upwardly projecting ends of which are, by the action of the keys, brought in contact with the rosined surface of a roller covered with parchment or leather, and revolved by the alternate action of two treadles.
