a couple seconds with google produce this:

laud -Spanish term for the lute, which was introduced to Spain by Arabs during the 13th century. Together with bandurrias and guitars, it appears in folk ensembles known as rondallas. The back of the instrument is flat, not pear-shaped as in the 'ud. In Spain the instrument is played with púa (plectrum). The laúd español appears also in Puerto Rican folk music. In Cuba a laúd with seven courses of double strings may substitute for a guitar in the accompanimental ensemble for the dance punto guajiro