‖ ˈclavier
[F. clavier, orig. a key-bearer (on L. type clāviārius, f. clāvis key), hence key-board. Thence, Ger. clavier, klavier, Du. klavier, Da. klaveer, Sw. klaver.]
1. The key-board or set of keys of a musical instrument. (Cf. claver n.2)
| 1708 Motteux Rabelais v. xx. (1737) 88 The Pedals of Turbith, and the Clavier or Keys of Scammony. 1855 Browning Master Hugues iii, I looked up and surveyed, O'er my three claviers, yon forest of pipes Whence you still peeped in the shade. 1880 E. J. Hopkins in Grove Dict. Mus. I. 485 Communication established between the claviers of an organ and the sound-board pallets. |
2. (kləˈvɪə(r)). A general German name of all keyboard instruments with strings, but specially the clavichord; later, the pianoforte. Also attrib.
| 1845 E. Holmes Mozart 13 [Mozart] having commenced composition without recourse to the clavier. 1880 Libr. Univ. Knowl. II. 91 [Bach's] numerous works..written for his favorite instrument, the clavier (the piano of that day). 1885 Athenæ um 21 Mar. 385/2 Four of the clavier concertos..were given with the aid of a small but select orchestra. 1886 Academy 22 May 371/2 The eminent pianist will..play, as it were, a history of clavier music from the time of Queen Elizabeth to that of Queen Victoria. |
Hence clavierist, a player on the clavier.
| 1845 E. Holmes Mozart 111 Becché [was] a celebrated clavierist of the day. |