psalter

Meaning

Noun

• The Book of Psalms. Often applied to a book containing the Psalms separately printed.
• Specifically for Anglicans, the Book of Common Prayer which contains the Book of Psalms. For Catholics, the Breviary containing the Psalms arranged for each day of the week.
• In the Roman Catholic Church, a rosary consisting of one hundred and fifty beads, corresponding to the number of the Psalms.
• psaltery (the musical instrument).

Origin

• From Middle English sauter, psauter, from Old French sautier, psaltier, from Latin psalterium ("a stringed instrument like a lute"), from Ancient Greek ψαλτήριον ("a harp").