1. a low-pitched drone pipe in a bagpipe or organ that produces a continuous bass note
Usage: music
2. a pilgrim’s staff or walking stick
Usage: archaic

Examples

• The bagpiper adjusted the bourdon to create a deeper bass tone.
• The organ’s bourdon pipes provided a rich foundation for the melody.
• Medieval pilgrims carried a bourdon on their journey to Santiago.
• The church organ featured several bourdon stops for ceremonial music.
• He could hear the steady hum of the bourdon beneath the Highland tune.