Word Study
responsory
CIDE DICTIONARY
responsory, a.
Containing or making answer; answering. Johnson. [1913 Webster]
responsory, n. [LL. responsorium.].
- The answer of the people to the priest in alternate speaking, in church service. [1913 Webster]"Which, if should repeat again, would turn my answers into responsories, and beget another liturgy." [1913 Webster]
- An antiphonary; a response book. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
responsory, n. (pl. -ies) an anthem said or sung by a soloist and choir after a lesson.
Etymology
ME f. LL responsorium (as RESPOND)
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