ETYMOLOGY
so called because the cittern (musical instrument) usually had a grotesque head carved at the extremity of the finger-board
EXAMPLE
“… Pedan.
I will not be put out of countenance.
Bero.
Because thou hast no face.
Pedan.
What is this?
Boyet.
A Cytterne head.
Duma.
The head of a Bodkin.
Bero.
A deaths face in a Ring.
Long.
The face of an olde Roman coyne, scarce seene.
Boyet.
The pummel of Caesars Fauchion.
Duma.
The carud-bone face on a Flaske.
Bero.
Saint Georges halfe cheeke in a Brooch. …”
From: A Pleasant Conceited Comedie called, Loues Labors Lost
By William Shakespeare, 1598
Lexicophilia 