psaltery

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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

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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

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psaltery

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