anthem, n. [OE. antym, antefne, AS. antefen, fr. LL. antiphona, fr. Gr. 'anti`fwna, neut. pl. of 'anti`fwnon antiphon, or anthem, n. neut., from 'anti`fwnos sounding contrary, returning a sound; 'anti` over against + fwnh` sound, voice: the anthem being sung by the choristers alternately, one half-choir answering the other: cf. OF. anthaine, anteine, antieune, F. antienne. See Antiphon.].

Formerly, a hymn sung in alternate parts, in present usage, a selection from the Psalms, or other parts of the Scriptures or the liturgy, set to sacred music. [1913 Webster]
A song or hymn of praise or devotion; as, a national anthem. Milton. [1913 Webster]

anthem, v. t.

To celebrate with anthems. [1913 Webster]

"Sweet birds antheming the morn." [1913 Webster]

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OXFORD DICTIONARY

anthem, n.
1 an elaborate choral composition usu. based on a passage of scripture for (esp. Anglican) church use.
2 a solemn hymn of praise etc., esp. = national anthem.
3 a composition sung antiphonally.

Etymology

OE antefn, antifne f. LL antiphona ANTIPHON

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THESAURUS

anthem

Agnus Dei, Benedicite, Brautlied, Christmas carol, Gloria, Gloria Patri, Gloria in Excelsis, Introit, Kunstlied, Liebeslied, Magnificat, Miserere, Negro spiritual, Nunc Dimittis, Te Deum, Trisagion, Vedic hymn, Volkslied, alba, alleluia, answer, antiphon, antiphony, art song, aubade, ballad, ballade, ballata, barcarole, blues, blues song, boat song, bridal hymn, brindisi, calypso, canso, cantata, canticle, canzone, canzonet, canzonetta, carol, cavatina, chanson, chant, chantey, chorale, church music, croon, croon song, dirge, ditty, doxology, drinking song, epithalamium, folk song, gospel, gospel music, hallelujah, hosanna, hymeneal, hymn, hymn of praise, hymn-tune, hymnody, hymnography, hymnology, introit, laud, lay, lied, lilt, love song, love-lilt, mantra, mass, matin, minstrel song, minstrelsy, motet, national anthem, offertory, offertory sentence, oratorio, paean, passion, prosodion, prothalamium, psalm, psalmody, recessional, report, requiem, requiem mass, response, responsory, sacred music, serena, serenade, serenata, song, spiritual, theme song, torch song, versicle, war song, wedding song, white spiritual

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ROGET THESAURUS

anthem

Worship

N worship, adoration, devotion, aspiration, homage, service, humiliation, kneeling, genuflection, prostration, prayer, invocation, supplication, rogation, intercession, orison, holy breathing, petition, collect, litany, Lord's prayer, paternoster, beadroll, latria, dulia, hyperdulia, vigils, revival, cult, anxious meeting, camp meeting, ebenezer, virginal, thanksgiving, giving thanks, returning thanks, grace, praise, glorification, benediction, doxology, hosanna, hallelujah, allelujah, Te Deum, non nobis Domine, nunc dimittis, paean, benschen, Ave Maria, O Salutaris, Sanctus, The Annunciation, Tersanctus, Trisagion, psalm, psalmody, hymn, plain song, chant, chaunt, response, anthem, motet, antiphon, antiphony, oblation, sacrifice, incense, libation, burnt offering, heave offering, votive offering, offertory, discipline, self-discipline, self-examination, self-denial, fasting, divine service, office, duty, exercises, morning prayer, mass, matins, evensong, vespers, undernsong, tierce, holyday, worshipper, congregation, communicant, celebrant, worshipping, devout, devotional, reverent, pure, solemn, fervid, Int, hallelujah, allelujah!, hosanna!, glory be to God!, O Lord!, pray God that!, God grant, God bless, God save, God forbid!, sursum corda, making their lives a prayer, ora et labora, prayers ardent open heaven.

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