Definitions for "Harpsichord"
Keywords:  pluck, quill, piano, plectra, spinet
A harp-shaped instrument of music set horizontally on legs, like the grand piano, with strings of wire, played by the fingers, by means of keys provided with quills, instead of hammers, for striking the strings. It is now superseded by the piano.
A Baroque keyboard instrument in which the strings are plucked by quills.
an instrument, invariably either inaudible or out of tune, used as an excuse for keyboard players to join an orchestra (see Continuo)