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psaltery

noun
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psal·​tery | \ ˈsäl-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce psaltery (audio) , ˈsȯl- \
variants: or less commonly psaltry
plural psalteries also psaltries

Definition of psaltery

: an ancient musical instrument resembling the zither

First Known Use of psaltery

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for psaltery

Middle English psalterie, from Anglo-French, from Latin psalterium, from Greek psaltērion, from psallein to play on a stringed instrument

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The first known use of psaltery was in the 14th century

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Dictionary Entries Near psaltery

psalterium

psaltery

psaltress

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Cite this Entry

“Psaltery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psaltery. Accessed 4 Jul. 2022.

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More from Merriam-Webster on psaltery

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about psaltery

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