Kel"ter (?), n. [Cf. Gael. & Ir. cealt clothes, Gael. cealltair spear, castle, cause, Prov. E. kilter tool, instrument. Cf. Kilt.]
Regular order or proper condition.
[Written also
kilter.] [>Colloq.]
If the organs of prayer be out of kelter or out of tune, how can we pray?
Barrow.
<-- now most commonly out of kilter -->
© Webster 1913.