responsory

[ ri-spon-suh-ree ]

noun

, Ecclesiastical.

, plural re·spon·so·ries.

1. an anthem sung after a lection by a soloist and choir alternately.

responsory

/ rɪˈspɒnsərɪ /

noun

1. Christianity an anthem or chant consisting of versicles and responses and recited or sung after a lesson in a church service

Word History and Origins

Origin of responsory¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Late Latin respōnsōrium, equivalent to Latin respond ( ēre ) to respond + -tōrium -tory ², with dt > s

Word History and Origins

Origin of responsory¹

C15: from Late Latin rēsponsōrium , from Latin rēspondēre to answer

Example Sentences

I could have inserted dialogismes, displaying their interrogatory part with communicatively pysmatick and sustentative flourishes; or proleptically, with the refutative schemes of anticipation and subjection, and that part which concerns the responsory, with the figures of permission and concession.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the principal changes made in revising the Prayer-book in 1549 was the setting forth of longer Lessons with responsory canticles sung at the end only.

From Project Gutenberg

This responsory system of reading Holy Scripture is still retained in its old form in the case of the Ten Commandments when read in the Communion service.

From Project Gutenberg

The Benedictus has been used as a responsory canticle to the Gospel Lessons from very ancient times as the daily memorial of the Incarnation.

From Project Gutenberg

The priest's deep voice spoke a few words alone, the nuns and pupils answered, and so again, through the short Responsory; and after a moment the soft shuffling of many felt-shod feet on the stone pavement was heard as the sisters and girls left the hidden choir in orderly procession.

From Project Gutenberg