Psalter

[ sawl-ter ]

noun

1. the Biblical book of Psalms.
2. (sometimes lowercase) a psalmbook.

Psalter

/ ˈsɔːltə /

noun

1. another name for Psalms, esp in the version in the Book of Common Prayer
2. a translation, musical, or metrical version of the Psalms
3. a devotional or liturgical book containing a version of Psalms, often with a musical setting

Word History and Origins

Origin of Psalter¹

before 900; < Late Latin psaltērium the Psalter, Latin: a psaltery < Greek psaltḗrion stringed instrument; replacing Middle English sauter (< Anglo-French < Late Latin ) and Old English saltere (< Late Latin, as above)

Word History and Origins

Origin of Psalter¹

Old English psaltere, from Late Latin psaltērium, from Greek psaltērion stringed instrument, from psallein to play a stringed instrument

Example Sentences

But among many precious relics, one recently recovered for the church is of the greatest interest, namely, the Romsey Psalter.

From Project Gutenberg

Hence it would seem that this Psalter with its Kalendar must have been written before this date.

From Project Gutenberg

In form and spirit they resemble both the poems of the Hebrew psalter and the lyrics of Pindar.

From Project Gutenberg

Anderson thought it sounded like the last words of the Psalter, "omnis spiritus laudet Dominum," but he could not be sure.

From Project Gutenberg

In 1447 the same college bought a Psalter for three shillings and eightpence, and a Donatus for one shilling.

From Project Gutenberg