virginals

noun

1. Often virginals. a rectangular harpsichord with the strings stretched parallel to the keyboard, the earlier types placed on a table: popular in the 16th and 17th centuries.

adjective

1. of, relating to, characterized by, proper to, or maintaining a state of virginity; chaste
2. extremely pure or fresh; untouched; undefiled

noun

1. (often plural) a smaller version of the harpsichord, but oblong in shape, having one manual and no pedals

n.

“small harpsichord,” 1520s, evidently from virgin, but the connection is unclear, unless it means “an instrument played by girls.”

adj.

early 15c., from Old French virginal or directly from Latin virginalis, from virgin (see virgin). The keyed musical instrument so called from 1520s, but the reason is obscure (see virginals).