n. Gk Antiq. an ancient stringed instrument like a small U-shaped harp, played usu. with a plectrum and accompanying the voice.
Phrases and idioms:
lyre-bird any Australian bird of the family Menuridae, the male of which has a lyre-shaped tail display. lyre-flower a bleeding heart.
Etymology: ME f. OF lire f. L lyra f. Gk lura