Sistrum \Sis"trum\, [L., fr. Gr. ???, from ??? 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]