versicle
Americannoun
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a little verse.
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Ecclesiastical. a short verse, usually from the Psalms, said or sung by the officiant, after which the congregation recites a response.
noun
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a short verse
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a short sentence recited or sung by the minister at a liturgical ceremony and responded to by the choir or congregation
Etymology
Origin of versicle
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Latin word versiculus. See verse, -i-, -cle 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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 Mrs. Humphry Ward
From Holy Trinity Sunday to the Saturday before Advent, the antiphon is Salve Regina with versicle, Ora pro nobis… response, Ut digni, Oremus and prayer, Omnipotens semipeterne Deus.
From The Divine Office by Edward J. Quigley
The versicle Exsurge and the response Et libera are then said.
From The Divine Office by Edward J. Quigley
I had hardly finished the first versicle when I struck the water, and I was indeed crying unto the Lord out of the depths, for I cannot swim, and my end was clearly at hand.'
From Stradella by F. Marion (Francis Marion) Crawford
The Office of Lauds now consists of four Psalms and a canticle, followed by a little chapter, a hymn, versicle, antiphon, of Benedictus, the canticle, Benedictus and prayer.
From The Divine Office by Edward J. Quigley
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