Psaltry

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. A stringed musical instrument resembling a small harp | A type of musical instrument played by plucking strings, often associated with ancient or traditional music | An instrument that consists of a flat body with strings stretched across it, producing melodies when strummed or plucked
  2. A historical stringed instrument characterized by a flat body and strings that produce sound when plucked or strummed
  3. This instrument, often linked to ancient music, has a rectangular shape and varies in size, offering melodious tunes through its strings

Etymology: The psaltry traces its origin to the medieval era as a stringed musical instrument, somewhat akin to the zither or dulcimer. The name evokes an image of serene melodies accompanying devotional or poetic recitations, fitting since it was often used in religious or courtly settings. This instrument was popular throughout Europe during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, its sound weaving through the halls of castles and monasteries alike. Its English form likely entered the language around the late Middle Ages, deriving from the Old French "psalterium," itself borrowed from Latin "psalterium." This Latin term was rooted in the Greek "psaltērion," which referred broadly to stringed instruments played by plucking. The Greek word probably comes from "psallein," meaning "to pluck" or "to twitch," describing the method of sound production on such instruments. Originally, the word encompassed a variety of harp-like or zither-like instruments, and its exact reference could vary depending on region and period. Over time, as musical instrument design evolved and terminology became more specialized, the term settled into denoting a specific type of plucked instrument with a rectangular or trapezoidal soundboard. Though the psaltry itself has largely faded from common use, it left an imprint on the lexicon of musical history and instrument classification. Its name survives in scholarly discussions and historical musicology, evoking a time when music was intimately tied to both sacred ritual and noble entertainment.