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

Synaptic versicles -- sphere-like structures that store and release neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, are found in the presynaptic terminals of neurons.

From Science Daily

Compline is a simple service, including a confession of sins, one or more psalms, a short reading from scripture, versicles and responses, the Lord’s Prayer, and the canticle Nunc Dimittis.

From Washington Post

Although lessons drawn from the saint’s vita are inserted between the matins responsories, minor prayers and versicles are omitted, as are all but the first couple of verses of psalms and canticles.

From Washington Post

These versicles are said to be extracts from a letter.

From Project Gutenberg

Intōn′ing, a modern popular term for the utterance in musical recitative of the versicles, responses, collects, &c. of the Anglican liturgy.

From Project Gutenberg