harpsichord

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“
As for the rest of the album, let me just point out that it's sad when a harpsichord is the only good thing about a song, as is the case in "Aleph."

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Definitions (5)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. noun A keyboard instrument whose strings are plucked by means of quills or plectrums.

Toggle Century definitions Century Dictionary (2)

Toggle GNU Webster definitions GNU Webster's 1913 (1)

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Examples (50)

  • For a harpsichord, the following occurs to me: In the wall of your chamber, over the instrument, drive five little brads, as, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, in the following manner. —  Memoir, Correspondence, And Miscellanies
  • As for the rest of the album, let me just point out that it's sad when a harpsichord is the only good thing about a song, as is the case in "Aleph." —  Metal Underground .com
  • Under the pretence of testing Handel's powers he composed a most difficult piece for the harpsichord, and, setting it before the child, requested him to play it at sight. —  Story-Lives of Great Musicians
  • How did you use to amuse yourself at home I am very fond of books and music; my harpsichord was my delight I left her after breakfast, and in the evening I came back with a basket full of good books and music, and I sent her an excellent harpsichord. —  The Complete Memoirs of Jacques Casanova
  • In those days, the harpsichord was set on a table and the player had to stand to play it. —  Purpleocity.net
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Etymologies (2)

Toggle American Heritage etymologies American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. Alteration of obsolete French harpechorde, from Italian arpicordo : arpa, harp (from Late Latin harpa, of Germanic origin) + corda, string (from Latin chorda, from Greek khordē; see gherə- in Indo-European roots).

Toggle Century etymologies Century Dictionary (1)

  1. Formerly also arpsichord; a corrupt form, otherwise perverted harpsichon, harpsicon, harpsicol, harpsecol, and even harpers-cord (the letter s being intrusive); from Old French harpe-chorde (= Italian arpicordo), from harpe, harp, + chorde, corde, chord, cord.
 

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/ˈhɑrpsɪkɔrd/
by American Heritage

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