n. [ Cf. Gael. & Ir. cealt clothes, Gael. cealltair spear, castle, cause, Prov. E. kilter tool, instrument. Cf. Kilt. ] Regular order or proper condition. [ Usually written kilter in th U. S. ] [ Colloq., chiefly British spelling ] [ 1913 Webster ]

If the organs of prayer be out of kelter or out of tune, how can we pray? Barrow. [ 1913 Webster ]