sordino

Definition of the Italian term sordino in music:

1. mute (device attached to a musical instrument that lowers its volume or alters its timbre)
2. on piano: a reference to either the sustain pedal (especially in music from the 18th to 19th century) or the soft pedal (especially in later music)
3. pochette (small violin-like instrument, commonly used by dance teachers from the 15th to the 19th century to accompany students)