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Webster 1913 Edition


Psaltery

Psal′ter-y

,
Noun.
;
pl.
Psalteries
(#)
.
[OE.
sautrie
, OF.
psalterie
, F.
psaltérion
, L.
psalterium
psaltery, psalter, from Gr. [GREEK], fr. [GREEK]. See
Psalm
,
Psalter
.]
A stringed instrument of music used by the Hebrews, the form of which is not known.
Praise the Lord with harp; sing unto him with the
psaltery
and an instrument of ten strings.
Ps. xxxiii. 2.

Webster 1828 Edition


Psaltery

PSAL'TERY

,
Noun.
[Gr.] An instrument of music used by the Hebrews,the form of which is not now known. That which is now used is a flat instrument in form of a trapezium or triangle truncated at the top, strung with thirteen chords of wire, mounted on two bridges at the sides, and struck with a plectrum or crooked stick.
Praise the Lord with harp; sing to him with the psaltery, and an instrument of ten strings. Ps.33.

Definition 2024


psaltery

psaltery

English

Alternative forms

Noun

psaltery (plural psalteries)

  1. (music) A zither-like musical instrument consisting of a soundboard with multiple strings, played by plucking the strings with the fingers or a plectrum.
    And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps. (Nehemiah 12:27, KJV)

Related terms

Derived terms

Usage notes

In the King James Version of the Bible, "psaltery" is used as a translation for certain words whose referent isn't known: the Hebrew keli (כלי) and nevel (נבל), and the Aramaic pesanterin (פסנתרין).

See also

  • Appendix:Glossary of chordophones

Translations