Definition

1. Noun:

   • A sacred song or hymn: A psalm is a religious song or poem, typically one from the Book of Psalms in the Bible, used to praise God.
   • A book of the Bible: Specifically, one of the 150 sacred songs, poems, or prayers that make up the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament, traditionally attributed to King David.

2. Verb:

   • To sing or celebrate with psalms: To psalm means to sing sacred songs or hymns, especially those from the Book of Psalms, as an act of worship.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The choir sang a beautiful psalm during the service.
  • He found comfort in reading a psalm before going to sleep.
• Verb:
  • The congregation will psalm the Lord's praises.
  • They psalmed the works of God with great devotion.

Advanced Usage

• "to chant a psalm": To recite or sing a psalm in a rhythmic, often monotone, manner.
  • The monks chant a psalm every evening.
• "a psalm of lament": A specific type of psalm that expresses grief, sorrow, or a plea for help.
  • Psalm 22 is considered a powerful psalm of lament.

Variants and Related Words

• Psalter (n): A copy of the Book of Psalms, often arranged for liturgical or musical use.
  • She read from the ancient Psalter.
• Psalmody (n): The act, practice, or art of singing psalms in worship.
  • The study of psalmody is important in liturgical music.
• Psalmist (n): A writer or composer of psalms, especially referring to the traditional authors like David.
  • David is the most famous psalmist.

Synonyms

• Noun: Hymn, sacred song, canticle, chant.
• Verb: Hymn, chant, sing praises.

Related Phrases

• "Metrical psalm": A psalm that has been translated or adapted to fit a regular poetic meter for congregational singing.
  • The church uses a book of metrical psalms.

Noun

1. any sacred song used to praise the deity
2. one of the 150 lyrical poems and prayers that comprise the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament; said to have been written by David

Verb

1. sing or celebrate in psalms
   • He psalms the works of God