† sīstrum, i, n., = σεῖστρον, a metallic rattle which was used by the Egyptians in celebrating the rites of Isis, and in other lascivious festivals, Ov. Am. 2, 13, 11; id. P. 1, 1, 38; id. M. 9, 692; 9, 777; 9, 783; id. A. A. 3, 635; Mart. 14, 54, 2; Juv. 13, 93; Stat. S. 3, 2, 102; App. M. 2, p. 127; 11, p. 258; 11, p. 261 al.
By the Jews, Vulg. 1 Reg. 18, 6.
Hence sarcastically, as if used for a war-trumpet by the wanton Cleopatra, Verg. A. 8, 696; Prop. 3, 11 (4, 10), 43; Luc. 10, 63; Isid. Orig. 3, 4; 18, 4.