An explanation of the historical context for the phrase "hideous trumpet" in Act 2, Scene 3 of myShakespeare's Macbeth.
Lady Macbeth
What's the business, that such a hideous trumpet
Calls to parley the sleepers of the house?
In medieval times, every castle had some means of sounding the alarm which could be heard over the entire estate. This was often a bell, but could also be a trumpet, which is the case here.
