Pair Of Virginals (Noun)
Meaning
A legless rectangular harpsichord; played (usually by women) in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The young lady sat at the pair of virginals, her fingers moving deftly over the keys as she played a lively tune.
- In the 17th century, it was common for women of means to learn to play the pair of virginals as a way to demonstrate their refinement.
- The museum's collection included a beautifully restored pair of virginals, which was played by a musician during a special concert.
- The pair of virginals was a popular instrument among the upper classes in the 16th century, particularly among women who used it to entertain guests.
- As she sat at the pair of virginals, the woman's music filled the room with a sweet, gentle sound that was characteristic of the instrument.