Definition of "fifes" [fifes]

• Plural form of fife. (noun)

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• "Each man had a glass of port wine; and we then turned over the old newspapers which we found in the chests, and drew lots for the presents, which consisted of small musical instruments such as fifes, jew's-harps, trumpets, &c., with draughts and other games, puppets, crackers, &c."
• "Then there are home-made fifes and whistles and drums, combs covered with paper, extemporized triangles, and bones made from ribs of salt horse such as negro minstrels use."
• "While fifes and drums played a tactical role in pre-electronic war, communicating battlefield formations and establishing the rhythm of advance and retreat, popular music responded to the human consequences of battle."