previous next
plēctrum , i, n., = πλῆκτρον (an instrument to strike with; esp.),
I. A little stick with which the player struck the chords of a stringed instrument, a quill, plectrum: “itaque plectri similem linguam nostri solent dicere, chordarum dentis, naris cornibus illis qui resonant, etc.,” Cic. N. D. 2, 59, 149; Ov. M. 11, 168: “plectra movere,” id. H. 3, 113.—
B. Poet., transf., a lyre or lute; also a lyric poem, lyric poetry: “plectro modulatus eburno,” Tib. 3, 4, 39: “et te sonantem plenius aureo, Alcaee, plectro,” Hor. C. 2, 13, 26; 2, 1, 40; 1, 26, 11.—
II. A helm, rudder (poet.): “non plectro ratis Parcitur,” Sil. 14, 549; 403.
A Latin Dictionary. Founded on Andrews' edition of Freund's Latin dictionary. revised, enlarged, and in great part rewritten by. Charlton T. Lewis, Ph.D. and. Charles Short, LL.D. Oxford. Clarendon Press. 1879.

The National Endowment for the Humanities provided support for entering this text.

hide Dictionary Entry Lookup
Use this tool to search for dictionary entries in all lexica.
Search for in
hide References (2 total)
  • Cross-references in general dictionaries from this page (2):
    • Ovid, Metamorphoses, 11.168
    • Cicero, de Natura Deorum, 2.59
hide Display Preferences
Greek Display:
Arabic Display:
View by Default:
Browse Bar: