Castrati
a male singer, especially in the 18th century, castrated before puberty to prevent his soprano or contralto voice range from changing.
Historical Examples
This is the house of a great man, a chieftain; and we were told the name of the place is castrati.
Albania E. F. Knight
However, just as the sun was setting we approached the hut of castrati.
Albania E. F. Knight
Our good-byes at castrati before starting were affectionate and protracted.
Albania E. F. Knight
We entered the large lower room, which in every respect was similar to that in which we passed the previous night at castrati.
Albania E. F. Knight
Eunuchs are capable of affording illicit pleasure, whilst the male sopranos, or castrati, are often utilized for that purpose.
Aids to Forensic Medicine and Toxicology W. G. Aitchison Robertson
noun (pl) -ti (-tɪ), -tos
(in 17th- and 18th-century opera) a male singer whose testicles were removed before puberty, allowing the retention of a soprano or alto voice
n.
plural of castrato.
n.
1763, from Italian castrato, from Latin castratus (see castration).
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