Virginal

Origin

From Latin virginālis. The musical instrument is probably so called from being played by young girls.

Full definition of virginal

Adjective

1. Being or resembling a virgin.

Noun

1. (musici) A musical instrument in the harpsichord family.
• 1932, w, Friday's Business Chapter 16, His uncle, a Cardinal, engages a Spanish youth of Moorish descent called Diego, an expert singer and player on the virginal, to unlock the secrets of the heart, and to cleanse his bosom of the perilous stuff, and cure him by the spell of his music.

Usage notes

The singular form may be either virginal or virginals.

Anagrams

• rivaling