responsory

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A liturgical response: "responsory" refers to a type of liturgical chant or hymn sung in Christian worship, especially in the Roman Catholic and Anglican traditions, where a soloist or choir sings a verse and the congregation or choir responds with a repeated refrain. It is typically used during services such as Matins or Lauds.
    • A responsive reading: In broader usage, "responsory" can denote any text or passage that is recited alternately between a leader and a group, often in a religious context.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The choir sang a responsory after the scripture reading. (A liturgical chant with alternating responses.)
    • During the Easter vigil, the responsory "Christ is risen" was repeated by the congregation. (A hymn where the congregation joins in a refrain.)
Advanced Usage

  • "To sing a responsory": to perform or recite a responsory as part of a liturgical service.

    • The monks sang a responsory at the close of the morning prayer. (They performed a specific chant with responses.)

  • "Responsory psalm": a psalm structured with alternating verses and responses, often used in monastic offices.

    • The responsory psalm for the day was taken from Psalm 95. (A psalm designed for responsive singing.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Responsorial (adj): relating to or characterized by responses, especially in liturgical music.

    • The responsorial psalm was sung after the first reading. (The psalm had a responsive structure.)

  • Responsiveness (n): the quality of reacting quickly and positively, though not directly related to the liturgical sense.

    • The choir's responsiveness to the conductor was impressive. (Their ability to follow directions.)
Synonyms
  • Antiphon: a short chant or hymn sung in alternation, often before or after a psalm.
  • Refrain: a repeated line or phrase in a song, similar to the response part of a responsory.
  • Response: the part of a liturgy where the congregation answers the priest or choir.
Related Idioms
  • "To give a responsory": to offer a formal reply or answer, though this is rare and mostly literary.
    • The scholar gave a responsory to the criticism in a published article. (He provided a formal response.)

Note: There are no common phrasal verbs or idioms directly associated with "responsory" outside of liturgical contexts.