dolcian

noun

1. (alt-of, alternative)Alternative form of dulcian.

   “In the sourdines, and also in the dolcians (a variety of bassoon or fagotto), the open ends were partly closed, apparently with the object of smothering up or minimizing the harsh tones of the reeds then used, which result in modern practice is obtained by the refinement of the reed itself.”

   “[…]the shepherds of the 1567 intermedii performed to the sound of five dolcians and a trombone.”

   “Praetorius says, “It is very good, and indeed almost essential, to have this same General Bass played in addition by some bass instrument, such as a bassoon, a dolcian, or a trombone, or best of all on a violone.””