Pronunciation: [sˈɒltəɹi] (IPA) 
The word "psaltery" is spelled with a silent "p" at the beginning, making it sound like "sawl-tuh-ree." The "s" is pronounced as the "z" sound and the "a" is pronounced like the "ah" sound in "father." The "l" and "t" are pronounced separately and the final "y" is pronounced like the letter "i." The psaltery is a musical instrument that is plucked with fingers or a pick and has been used in various cultures throughout history.
A psaltery is a musical instrument that belongs to the family of chordophones, specifically the zither family. It is an ancient stringed instrument that originated in Mesopotamia and has been used in various cultures across the world for thousands of years. The term "psaltery" is derived from the Greek word "psalterion," which means "instrument of the Psalms."
Typically, a psaltery consists of a rectangular or trapezoidal wooden soundboard with strings stretched across it. The strings are usually made of gut, wire, or metal and are often plucked or struck with a small stick, known as a plectrum or quill. The number of strings can vary, ranging from around ten to thirty or more, and they are usually arranged in a diatonic scale.
Psalteries can have a range of sizes, from small handheld instruments to larger ones that are placed on a table or a stand. They are played by either plucking the strings with the fingers or using the plectrum to strike the strings.
This instrument has been found in different forms throughout history, including the Ancient Near East, ancient Greece and Rome, Medieval Europe, and the Renaissance. It has been used in a wide range of musical genres, from folk music to sacred music. The psaltery continues to be played today, with modern versions created by artisans and musicians who aim to preserve its classical charm.
Among the anc. Hebrews, an instr. of the harp kind.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "psaltery" traces its etymology back to the Greek word "psaltērion", which refers to a stringed musical instrument. This term was derived from the Greek verb "psallō", meaning "to pluck". The word later entered Latin as "psalterium" before it was adopted by the English language as "psaltery". The psaltery is an ancient instrument that has been played in various cultures throughout history, and the term has remained relatively unchanged in its etymology.
