introit

American  

[in-troh-it, -troit] / ˈɪn troʊ ɪt, -trɔɪt /

noun

1. Roman Catholic Church. a part of a psalm with antiphon recited by the celebrant of the Mass at the foot of the altar and, at High Mass, sung by the choir when the priest begins the Mass.

2. Anglican Church, Lutheran Church. a psalm or anthem sung as the celebrant of the Holy Communion enters the sanctuary.

3. a choral response sung at the beginning of a religious service.

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introit British  

/ ˈɪntrɔɪt /

noun

1. RC Church Church of England a short prayer said or sung as the celebrant is entering the sanctuary to celebrate Mass or Holy Communion

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Other Word Forms

• introital
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of introit

1475–85; < Medieval Latin introitus ( misse or ad missam ), Latin: entrance, beginning, equivalent to intro-, combining form of intrō intro- + -i-, variant stem of īre to go + -tus suffix of v. action

Example Sentences

For me, the highest form of personal and artistic satisfaction is: Some random introit of mine is happening at Magdalen College, Oxford, and they’re also doing the Byrd “Sing Joyfully.”

From New York Times • Jul. 4, 2023

The Combined Choirs of the Mid-Atlantic Episcopal School Association offer the introit and anthem.

From Washington Post • Feb. 26, 2016

Before the introit the crucifix, the altar23, the celebrant and the Pope are successively incensed.

From The Ceremonies of the Holy-Week at Rome by Baggs, Charles Michael

Febrer made a negative gesture, and the old man left him until the following day when he would awaken him from the beach singing the introit, while the stars still shimmered in the sky.

From The Dead Command From the Spanish Los Muertos Mandan by Douglas, Frances

Incense is used, as is customary at high masses, before the introit, at the Gospel, after the offertory and during the elevation.

From The Ceremonies of the Holy-Week at Rome by Baggs, Charles Michael