versicle

American  

[vur-si-kuhl] / ˈvɜr sɪ kəl /

noun

1. a little verse.

2. Ecclesiastical. a short verse, usually from the Psalms, said or sung by the officiant, after which the congregation recites a response.

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versicle British  

/ ˈvɜːsɪkəl /

noun

1. a short verse

2. a short sentence recited or sung by the minister at a liturgical ceremony and responded to by the choir or congregation

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Etymology

Origin of versicle

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Latin word versiculus. See verse, -i-, -cle ¹

Example Sentences

"Lest the Confessor should indolently hesitate in tracing out the circumstances of any sin, let him have the following versicle of circumstances in readiness: "Quis, quid, ubi, quibus auxiliis, cur, quomodo, quando.

From The Priest, The Woman And The Confessional by Chiniquy, Father

A moment's silence, before all the voices, gathering into one harmony, sent the last versicle ringing through the arches of the choir, and the springing tracery of the feretory, and of the Lady Chapel beyond.

From The Case of Richard Meynell by Ward, Humphry, Mrs.

From Holy Saturday until Saturday after Pentecost, the anthem is Regina coeli with versicle, Gaude… and response, Quia surrexit….

From The Divine Office by Quigley, Edward J.

Alleluia. scarcely could they who chanted the versicle challenge with their eyes those who hung down their heads when they gave the response.

From The Altar Steps by MacKenzie, Compton

Rossetti's versicle finds its point in life—   "Was it a friend or foe that spread these lies?"

From Friendship by Black, Hugh