Psaltery
/ˈsɔːl.tər.i/noun
A stringed musical instrument resembling a zither, played by plucking the strings.
Did you know?In ancient rituals, the psaltery was often used to invoke divine presence and was thought to have protective, almost talismanic properties.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ψαλτήριον
“A stringed instrument played by plucking.”
Latin
Latin
psalterium
“A term for a stringed instrument, often associated with sacred music.”
Old French
Old French
salter
“To play a stringed instrument, especially in a church context.”
Middle English
Middle English
psalterie
“A type of stringed instrument used in religious ceremonies.”
Modern English
English
psaltery
“Referring to a specific type of plucked string instrument, often linked to biblical texts.”