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 origin
Old English psaltere, from Late Latin psaltērium, from Greek psaltērion stringed instrument, from psallein to play a stringed instrument
Psalter in American English
(ˈsɔltər)
noun
1.
the Book of Psalms
2. [alsop-]
a version of the Psalms for use in religious services
Word origin
altered (infl. by L) < ME sauter < OE saltere & OFr sautier, both < L psalterium, stringed instrument, in LL(Ec), the Psalms < Gr psaltērion, harp, in LGr(Ec), the Psalter < psallein, to twitch, pluck