%sistrum%

‖[ L., fr. Gr. &unr_;&unr_;&unr_;, from &unr_;&unr_;&unr_; to shake. ] (Mus.) An instrument consisting of a thin metal frame, through which passed a number of metal rods, and furnished with a handle by which it was shaken and made to rattle. It was peculiarly Egyptian, and used especially in the worship of Isis. It is still used in Nubia. [ 1913 Webster ]