Real Dictionary

harpsichord
variable noun: A harpsichord is an old-fashioned musical instrument rather like a small piano. When you press the keys, the strings are pulled, rather than being hit by hammers as in a piano.

harpsichord in American English
a stringed musical instrument with a keyboard, often with two manuals: the strings are plucked by points of leather or quill when the keys are pressed, producing short, abrupt tones
noun: a keyboard instrument, precursor of the piano, in which the strings are plucked by leather or quill points connected with the keys, in common use from the 16th to the 18th century, and revived in the 20th

harpsichord in British English
noun: a horizontally strung stringed keyboard instrument, triangular in shape, consisting usually of two manuals controlling various sets of strings plucked by pivoted plectrums mounted on jacks. Some harpsichords have a pedal keyboard and stops by which the to