Psalter

[ sawl-ter ]

noun

1. the Biblical book of Psalms.
2. (sometimes lowercase) a psalmbook.

Psalter

/ ˈsɔːltə /

noun

1. another name for Psalms, esp in the version in the Book of Common Prayer
2. a translation, musical, or metrical version of the Psalms
3. a devotional or liturgical book containing a version of Psalms, often with a musical setting

Word History and Origins

Origin of Psalter¹

before 900; < Late Latin psaltērium the Psalter, Latin: a psaltery < Greek psaltḗrion stringed instrument; replacing Middle English sauter (< Anglo-French < Late Latin ) and Old English saltere (< Late Latin, as above)

Word History and Origins

Origin of Psalter¹

Old English psaltere, from Late Latin psaltērium, from Greek psaltērion stringed instrument, from psallein to play a stringed instrument

Example Sentences

The other manuscripts range from the 13th-century lavishly illustrated book known as the “Psalter of Saint Louis” all the way to “The Second Sex” by Simone de Beauvoir.

From New York Times

This spring, however, brings us “Cruise of Shadows,” which contains nothing but masterpieces, notably “The Gloomy Alley” and “The Mainz Psalter.”

From Washington Post

The Breeches Edition recently returned to Pittsburgh also had an attached hymnal known as a metrical Psalter - the book of Psalms set to musical notation, he said.

From Washington Times

The Copenhagen Psalter contains a collect for peace, asking that we “may pass our time in rest and quietness.”

From New York Times

In religious and monarchical contexts, kneeling is a form of worship or deference — the earliest known usage of the word is in the Vespasian Psalter, an illustrated book of religious texts from around 825 A.D.

From Seattle Times