psalmody

[ sah-muh-dee, sal-muh- ]

noun

, plural psal·mo·dies.

1. the act, practice, or art of setting psalms to music.
2. psalms or hymns collectively.
3. the act, practice, or art of singing psalms.

psalmody

/ ˈsɑːmədɪ; sɑːˈmɒdɪk; sæl-; ˈsæl- /

noun

1. the act of singing psalms or hymns
2. the art or practice of the setting to music or singing of psalms

Derived Forms

• psalmodic, adjective
• ˈpsalmodist, noun

Other Words From

• psal·mod·ic [sah-, mod, -ik, sal-], psal·modi·cal psal·mo·di·al [sah-, moh, -dee-, uh, l, sal-], adjective
• psalmo·dist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of psalmody¹

1300–50; Middle English < Late Latin psalmōdia < Greek psalmōidía singing to the harp. See psalm, ode, -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of psalmody¹

C14: via Late Latin from Greek psalmōdia singing accompanied by a harp, from psalmos (see psalm ) + ōidē ode

Example Sentences

The vitality of the Jewish ritual, when the nation had emerged from barbarism, was in its connections with a magnificent psalmody.

From Project Gutenberg

Deacon Justin did not confine his musical performances to psalmody and the accompanying of hymns.

From Project Gutenberg

In the first congregations It allies itself to art, probably all the worshippers joined in the hymns and psalmody.

From Project Gutenberg

Wednesday evening at 7, an expository lecture, followed by a Psalmody-class, to practise anthems and tunes.

From Project Gutenberg

Its rich colouring, its dim religious light, its devout psalmody; oh, how soothing to the wearied spirit.

From Project Gutenberg