What does psalter mean?
A psalter is a book containing the Psalms, especially the collection of sacred poems known as the Psalms from the Hebrew Bible. In Christian traditions, psalters have long been used in worship, private prayer, and monastic study; many medieval examples were lavishly illuminated with paintings, decorated initials, and gold. The word can also refer more broadly to a collection of religious songs or devotional poetry, though this extended sense is less common. A psalter should not be confused with the psaltery, which is a stringed instrument historically associated with playing sacred music. Both words belong to a family connected with the Greek term psalterion, originally a type of stringed instrument and later a word for a sung or recited psalm. The psalter remains especially evocative because it preserves both the textual and visual traditions of sacred chant and prayer.
nounA book containing the Psalms, especially one used in Christian worship. The term can also refer more broadly to a collection of sacred songs or devotional poems.
- A book containing the Psalms, especially one arranged for liturgical or devotional use.
- A collection of sacred songs or devotional poems.
"The illuminated psalter was designed for private prayer and daily recitation."
"Each morning, the monk read several passages from the psalter."
"The exhibition included a medieval psalter illuminated with gold leaf."
The plural is used for individual books or distinct works, each of which may contain a collection of psalms or sacred poems.
"Several illuminated psalters from the medieval period are held in the library."
From the Greek word for a stringed instrument, the psalter became a book whose songs were often meant to be accompanied by music.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does psalter come from?
The English word comes through Latin psalterium from Greek psalterion, a form connected with psallein, meaning “to sing” or “to pluck a string.” The Greek term referred originally to a stringed instrument and was later applied to books or collections of sacred songs. Its relatives include psalm, psalmist, psalmody, and psaltery, all of which reflect the same longstanding association between singing, stringed instruments, and sacred poetry.
How psalter is actually used
The word is primarily associated with religious and liturgical contexts. Outside those settings, it may be used more broadly and sometimes figuratively for a collection of praises or devotional writings.
Easily confused with psalter
A psalter is a book of sacred poems, whereas a psaltery is a stringed musical instrument.