tsiltselim, from a root to tingle or tinkle. Of two kinds: "loud cymbals," castanettes; four small plates of brass; two plates were attached to each hand, and smitten together, marking for the choir their time for joining in the sacred song; see 1Ch_13:8. And "high sounding cymbals," two larger plates, one held in each hand, and struck together as an accompaniment to other music, like the Italian piatti, marking the rhythm. Zec_14:20, "the bells," rather concave plates of brass attached to horses as an ornament, and tinkling in striking against one another; even the common things shall have sanctity attached to them.
Fausset's Bible Dictionary
By Andrew Robert Fausset, co-Author of Jamieson, Fausset and Brown's 1888.
Cymbals. A percussive musical instrument. Two kinds of cymbals are mentioned in Psa_150:5; "loud cymbals" or castagnettes, and "high-sounding cymbals."
The former consisted of four small plates of brass or of some other hard metal; two plates were attached to each hand of the performer, and were struck together to produce a great noise.
The latter consisted of two larger plates, on held in each hand and struck together as an accompaniment to other instruments.
Cymbals were used not only in the Temple, but for military purposes, and also by Hebrew women as a musical accompaniment to their national dances. Both kinds of cymbals are still common in the East.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
By Dr. William Smith.Published in 1863
Cymbals [MUSIC]
The Popular Cyclopedia of Biblical Literature
by John Kitto.