recessional

[ ri-sesh-uh-nl ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a recession of the clergy and choir after the service.
2. of or relating to a recess, as of a legislative body.

noun

1. a hymn or other piece of music played at the end of a service while the congregation is filing out.

recessional

/ rɪˈsɛʃənəl /

adjective

1. of or relating to recession

noun

1. a hymn sung as the clergy and choir withdraw from the chancel at the conclusion of a church service

Word History and Origins

Origin of recessional¹

First recorded in 1865–70; recession ¹ + -al ¹

Example Sentences

The very next year The Recessional stirred the religious consciousness of the whole English-speaking race.

From Project Gutenberg

A backward glance now and then showed that she was not watching the recessional as closely as she was listening to him.

From Project Gutenberg

In the meantime, the recessional frenzy extended all over the State, and every bank was obliged to close its doors.

From Project Gutenberg

Both literatures have the sanctuary hymn, and the processional and the recessional hymn.

From Project Gutenberg

Surely nothing could be more appropriate for Americans to sing at the present time than the Recessional.

From Project Gutenberg