The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Shawm \Shawm\, n. [OE. shalmie, OF. chalemie; cf. F. chalumeau shawm, chaume haulm, stalk; all fr. L. calamus a reed, reed pipe. See Haulm, and cf. Calumet.] (Mus.) A wind instrument of music, formerly in use, supposed to have resembled either the clarinet or the hautboy in form. [Written also shalm, shaum.] --Otway. [1913 Webster] Even from the shrillest shaum unto the cornamute. --Drayton. [1913 Webster]