▪ I. cither
(ˈsɪθə(r))
Also 7 cyther, 9 cithar.
[Cf. F. cithare (14th c.), also mod.Ger. cither, zither, ad. L. cithara: see above.]
An anglicized form of cithara, applied to the ancient instrument, as well as its later modifications, the cithern, zither n., etc.
| 1606 L. Bryskett Civ. Life 146 When Timotheus presumed to adde but one string to the Cyther, they banished him out of the citie. 1875 B. Taylor Faust I. xix. 171 The Cither's smashed! For nothing more 'tis fitting. 1880 in Grove Dict. Mus. I. 359 The cither during the 16th & 17th centuries appears to have enjoyed great favour..The difference between a cither and a lute is that the cither has wire strings and is played with a plectrum, while the lute has catgut strings to be touched with the fingers. |
b. attrib., as in cither-player.
| 1839 Thirlwall Greece VI. lii. 303 A cithar-player named Aristonicus. |
▪ II. cither
obs. form of cider.