responsory Meaning, Definition & Usage

Re*spon"so*ry adjective

Definitions

1. Containing or making answer; answering. Johnson.

Re*spon"so*ry noun

Etymology

LL. responsorium.

Wordforms

plural -ries

Definitions

1. (Eccl.) (a) The answer of the people to the priest in alternate speaking, in church service. (b) A versicle sung in answer to the priest, or as a refrain.

   Which, if should repeat again, would turn my answers into responsories, and beget another liturgy. Milton.

2. (Eccl.) An antiphonary; a response book.