sistrum

[ sis-truh m ]

/ ˈsɪs trəm /

an ancient Egyptian percussion instrument consisting of a looped metal frame set in a handle and fitted with loose crossbars that rattle when shaken.

Origin of sistrum

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin < Greek seîstron, derivative of seíein to shake (cf. seismic)

And ever, like an obsession, there was the rattle of the sistra, as though the whole immense temple were rattling.

The Tour |Louis Couperus
Then, from far away, there came the ghostly music of the sistra.

Cleopatra |H. Rider Haggard
The two objects suspended from the belt between the heads recall Hathor's sistra.

The Evolution of the Dragon |G. Elliot Smith
They call us all "Sistra" and often "Dobra Sistra," which means good sister.

My Diary in Serbia: April 1, 1915-Nov. 1, 1915 |Monica M. Stanley

These women have one simple answer: "Sistra, they died for their country!"

My Diary in Serbia: April 1, 1915-Nov. 1, 1915 |Monica M. Stanley

sistrum

/ (ˈsɪstrəm) /

a musical instrument of ancient Egypt consisting of a metal rattle

C14: via Latin from Greek seistron, from seiein to shake