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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.

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