versicle

[ vur-si-kuhl ]

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. Compare response ( def 3a ).

versicle

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of versicle¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of versicle¹

C14: from Latin versiculus a little line, from versus verse

Example Sentences

"I only chanted a versicle from one of the Psalms," he explained.

From Project Gutenberg

And the versicle, 'Glory be to the Father,' etc., is then said.

From Project Gutenberg

He gives a Sunday-school feast every year, which begins with a versicle and a response.

From Project Gutenberg

“To-morrow shall be done away the iniquity of the earth,” is the versicle after the Office Hymn.

From Project Gutenberg

The clergyman said the versicle, "O Lord, save the King," and the clerk made no reply.

From Project Gutenberg