psaltery

views updated Jun 27 2018

psal·ter·y / ˈsôltərē/ • n. (pl. -ter·ies) an ancient and medieval musical instrument like a dulcimer but played by plucking the strings with the fingers or a plectrum.

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

psaltery

views updated Jun 11 2018

psaltery. Medieval str. instr., played by plucking with a plectrum or the fingers, trapeze-shaped, and usually strung horizontally over a sound-board. Had sweet, pure tone. Can be played with bow. Tavener scores for 4 bowed psalteries in Toward the Son (1982).

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE

About this article

psaltery

All Sources -
Updated Aug 24 2016 About encyclopedia.com content Print Topic