overstring

[oh-ver-string]

verb (used with object)

overstrung, overstrung , overstringed, overstringing .

1. Music.,  to arrange the strings of (a piano) so that the bass strings cross over the treble.

2. Archery.,  to string (a bow) too tightly.

Word History and Origins

Origin of overstring¹

First recorded in 1875–80; over- + string

Example Sentences

But the cedar bow must be cared for like a delicate machine; overstring it, and it breaks; twang it without an arrow, and it sunders the cords; scratch it, and it may splinter; wet it, and it is dead; let it lie on the ground, even, and it is weakened.

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