noun
- plural of responsory; liturgical chants or verses sung alternately between a soloist and choir in Christian worship services
Usage: religious; liturgical
Examples
- The choir practiced the responsories for Sunday’s service.
- Ancient responsories date back to the early centuries of Christianity.
- The cantor led the congregation in singing the traditional responsories.
- Medieval manuscripts contain beautifully illuminated responsories.
- The responsories created a call-and-response pattern during the liturgy.
- Different denominations use various responsories in their worship.