1. A stringed musical instrument of the Renaissance and early modern period, similar to a lute or zither, played by plucking.
Usage: archaic; also spelled cittern or cittern

Examples

• The musician played a cithern at the Renaissance fair.
• In the 16th century, the cithern was a popular instrument among both nobility and common folk.
• The cithern's bright, plucked tones made it ideal for accompanying singers.
• Historical records show that citherns were often decorated with intricate carvings.