responsory

[ ri-spon-suh-ree ]

noun

, Ecclesiastical.

, plural re·spon·so·ries.

1. an anthem sung after a lection by a soloist and choir alternately.

responsory

/ rɪˈspɒnsərɪ /

noun

1. Christianity an anthem or chant consisting of versicles and responses and recited or sung after a lesson in a church service

Word History and Origins

Origin of responsory¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Late Latin respōnsōrium, equivalent to Latin respond ( ēre ) to respond + -tōrium -tory ², with dt > s

Word History and Origins

Origin of responsory¹

C15: from Late Latin rēsponsōrium , from Latin rēspondēre to answer

Example Sentences

Hearken here, Epistemon, my little bully, dost not thou hold him to be very resolute in his responsory verdicts?

From Project Gutenberg