kapelle

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. In Germany, a musical establishment consisting of a band or orchestra, with or without a choir, under the direction and training of a kapellmeister. In the eighteenth century such establishments were maintained at most of the German courts and by many of the nobility.

GNU Webster's 1913

1. n. (Mus.) A chapel; hence, the choir or orchestra of a prince's chapel; now, a musical establishment, usually orchestral.