semantron
English
Etymology
From Ancient Greek σήμαντρον (sḗmantron, “a seal, signet, in MGr. a semantron”), from σημαίνειν (sēmaínein, “to show by a sign, signify, in MGr. strike a semantron”), from σῆμα (sêma, “mark, sign”).
Noun
semantron (plural semantrons or semantra)
- A percussion instrument used chiefly in Eastern Orthodox monasteries to summon the brethren to prayer or to lead processions.
Related terms
Further reading
- William Dwight Whitney, Benjamin E[li] Smith, editors (1911), “semantron”, in The Century Dictionary […], New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., →OCLC.