antiphonal

American  

[an-tif-uh-nl] / ænˈtɪf ə nl /

adjective

1. pertaining to antiphons or antiphony; responsive.

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noun

1. an antiphonary.

antiphonal British  

/ ænˈtɪfənəl /

adjective

1. sung or recited in alternation

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noun

1. another word for antiphonary

Other Word Forms

• antiphonally
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of antiphonal

First recorded in 1685–95; antiphon + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The Antiphonal by the two halves of the choir alternately: 3.

From The Prayer Book Explained by Jackson, Percival

Antiphonal to sweet sylvan singers, The brook with its maddening, gladdening rune!

From The Path of Dreams Poems by Giltner, Leigh Gordon

We shall show that these eight verses are probably intended for Antiphonal singing. iii. and iv.

From The Prayer Book Explained by Jackson, Percival

Then thus Antiphonal to him she breathes, "Thou sayest!"

From Helen Redeemed and Other Poems by Hewlett, Maurice Henry

Antiphonal, i.e. alternate, singing dates from the services described in 1 Chronicles vi. 31-33, 39, 44, from which it appears that there were three choirs of singers—one in the centre, and one on either hand.

From The Prayer Book Explained by Jackson, Percival