Psalter
/ˈsɔːl.tər/noun
A book containing the biblical Psalms, often used in worship.
Did you know?Psalter ultimately comes from Greek psaltērion, a word tied to plucking strings, so the book’s name began as the name of a musical instrument used to sing sacred words.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
psaltērion
“A stringed instrument, especially a lyre or harp played by plucking”
Late Latin
Latin
psalterium
“A psalter; also a stringed instrument”
Old French
French
psautier
“A psalter, especially the book of Psalms”
Middle English
English
psauter
“A book of Psalms used in devotion”
Modern English
English
psalter
“A book containing the biblical Psalms”
Explore more surprising origins