introit

American  

[in-troh-it, -troit] / ˈɪn troʊ ɪt, -trɔɪt /

noun

1. Roman Catholic Church. a part of a psalm with antiphon recited by the celebrant of the Mass at the foot of the altar and, at High Mass, sung by the choir when the priest begins the Mass.

2. Anglican Church, Lutheran Church. a psalm or anthem sung as the celebrant of the Holy Communion enters the sanctuary.

3. a choral response sung at the beginning of a religious service.

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introit British  

/ ˈɪntrɔɪt /

noun

1. RC Church Church of England a short prayer said or sung as the celebrant is entering the sanctuary to celebrate Mass or Holy Communion

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Other Word Forms

• introital adjective

Etymology

Origin of introit

1475–85; < Medieval Latin introitus ( misse or ad missam ), Latin: entrance, beginning, equivalent to intro-, combining form of intrō intro- + -i-, variant stem of īre to go + -tus suffix of v. action

Example Sentences

For me, the highest form of personal and artistic satisfaction is: Some random introit of mine is happening at Magdalen College, Oxford, and they’re also doing the Byrd “Sing Joyfully.”

From New York Times

The Combined Choirs of the Mid-Atlantic Episcopal School Association offer the introit and anthem.

From Washington Post

There was little pretense of a church service beyond a choral introit and a couple of congregational hymns.

From New York Times

Febrer made a negative gesture, and the old man left him until the following day when he would awaken him from the beach singing the introit, while the stars still shimmered in the sky.

From Project Gutenberg

And again when they reached chapel doors they heard the bishops and clerks within in unison continue the introit, “O blessed, O holy Augustine, help thou this company.”

From Project Gutenberg