Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PSAL'TER-Y, n. [Gr. ψαλτηριον.]

An instrument of music used by the Hebrews, the form of which is not now known. That which is now used is a flat instrument in form of a trapezium or triangle truncated at the top, strung with thirteen chords of wire, mounted on two bridges at the sides, and struck with a plectrum or crooked stick. – Encyc. Praise the Lord with harp; sing to him with the psaltery, and an instrument of ten strings. – Ps. xxxiii.