psalmist

the word 'psalmist' is a relatively modern english formation that directly combines two classical elements. its core, 'psalm,' originates from the greek 'psalmos,' which referred specifically to a song accompanied by plucking the strings of a harp, derived from the verb 'psallein.' this term was adopted into latin as 'psalmus' and entered old english via latin and old french, retaining its association with sacred song, particularly those in the biblical book of psalms. the agent suffix '-ist,' of greek origin via latin, is appended to denote a person who composes or sings such hymns, creating a precise term for an author of psalms, most famously applied to king david.

Structure: psalm (sacred song) + ist (person who does) - psalm: from greek psalmos, meaning "song sung to a harp," from psallein "to pluck, play a stringed instrument." - ist: suffix from greek -istes, latin -ista, denoting a person who practices or is concerned with something.