plectrum
κρατίστην εἶναι δημοκρατίαν τὴν μήτε πλουσίους ἄγαν μήτε πένητας ἔχουσαν πολίτας → the best democracy is that in which the citizens are neither very rich nor very poor (Thales/Plutarch)
Latin > English (Lewis & Short)
plēctrum: i, n., = πλῆκτρον (an instrument to strike with; esp.),
I A little stick with which the player struck the chords of a stringed instrument, a quill, plectrum: itaque plectri similem linguam nostri solent dicere, chordarum dentis, naris cornibus illis qui resonant, etc., Cic. N. D. 2, 59, 149; Ov. M. 11, 168: plectra movere, id. H. 3, 113.—
B Poet., transf., a lyre or lute; also a lyric poem, lyric poetry: plectro modulatus eburno, Tib. 3, 4, 39: et te sonantem plenius aureo, Alcaee, plectro, Hor. C. 2, 13, 26; 2, 1, 40; 1, 26, 11.—
II A helm, rudder (poet.): non plectro ratis Parcitur, Sil. 14, 549; 403.
Latin > French (Gaffiot 2016)
plēctrum,¹² ī, n. (πλῆκτρον),
1 plectre, petite verge d’ivoire pour toucher les cordes de la lyre : Cic. Nat. 2, 149 || par ext.] lyre, luth : Tib. 3, 4, 39 || [fig.] poésie lyrique : Hor. O. 2, 13, 26
2 gouvernail : Sil. 14, 549.
Latin > German (Georges)
plēctrum, ī, n. (πληκτρον), I) das Stäbchen, womit der Zitherspieler die Saiten anschlägt, der Griffel, der Kiel, A) eig., Cic. u.a. – B) (poet.) meton.: 1) = Zither, Laute, Hor. u. Tibull. – 2) = lyrisches Gedicht, Hor. – II) das Steuerruder, Steuer, Sil. 14, 402 u. 548.
