responsory

[ri-spon-suh-ree]

noun

Ecclesiastical.

plural

responsories 

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

I could have inserted dialogismes, displaying their interrogatory part with communicatively pysmatick and sustentative flourishes; or proleptically, with the refutative schemes of anticipation and subjection, and that part which concerns the responsory, with the figures of permission and concession.

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One of the principal changes made in revising the Prayer-book in 1549 was the setting forth of longer Lessons with responsory canticles sung at the end only.

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This responsory system of reading Holy Scripture is still retained in its old form in the case of the Ten Commandments when read in the Communion service.

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The Benedictus has been used as a responsory canticle to the Gospel Lessons from very ancient times as the daily memorial of the Incarnation.

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The priest's deep voice spoke a few words alone, the nuns and pupils answered, and so again, through the short Responsory; and after a moment the soft shuffling of many felt-shod feet on the stone pavement was heard as the sisters and girls left the hidden choir in orderly procession.

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