noun

psalter

SAWL-ter

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Psalter (noun) means the Book of Psalms, especially when it is published as a stand-alone volume rather than as part of the whole Bible. Example: “The choir sang from an old, illustrated psalter.”

noun

religious The Book of Psalms, especially when it is published as a stand-alone volume rather than as part of the whole Bible.

"The choir sang from an old, illustrated psalter."

"A medieval psalter often had beautifully decorated initial letters."

"She kept a small psalter by her bed for daily reading."

religious In Catholic tradition, a rosary of 150 beads used for reciting the Psalms.

"He prayed the psalter, moving his fingers along its 150 beads."

"The psalter is a longer form of rosary than the usual five-decade version."

"A psalter of 150 beads corresponds to the number of Psalms."

How to use psalter

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA book of Psalms on its own, or in Catholic practice, a 150-bead rosary used to pray them.

When to use it

Psalter is a fairly formal term used mainly in religious and historical contexts.

Memory tip

Psalter is a homophone of salter, so rely on context rather than sound to tell them apart.

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Easily confused with

psaltery salter →

Common pairings

an illuminated psalter a medieval psalter pray the psalter

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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The choir sang from an old, illustrated _____.

Etymology

Psalter reached English through Old French from Latin psalterium, which itself came from an Ancient Greek word for a plucked, harp-like instrument. It is closely related to the words psaltery and psalterion.

Origin: Old French

Rhymes for psalter

alter falter Walter halter salter Burkhalter

See all rhymes for psalter →

Frequently asked questions

What is a psalter?

A psalter is a copy of the Book of Psalms, often printed and decorated as its own book rather than as part of a full Bible.

Is a psalter the same as a Bible?

No, a psalter contains only the Psalms, usually published separately from the rest of the Bible.

What is a Catholic psalter rosary?

In Catholic tradition, a psalter is also a rosary of 150 beads, used to recite prayers corresponding to the number of Psalms.

What is the meaning of psalter?

"psalter" (noun) means the Book of Psalms, especially when it is published as a stand-alone volume rather than as part of the whole Bible.