1. a short verse or sentence said or sung by a priest or minister and followed by a response from the congregation
Usage: liturgical

Examples

• The priest chanted the versicle and the congregation responded in unison.
• Each versicle was followed by a traditional response from the choir.
• The liturgy included several versicles and responses throughout the service.
• She memorized the versicles for the evening prayer service.
• The versicle ‘The Lord be with you’ was met with ‘And with thy spirit.’
• During Vespers, the cantor sang each versicle clearly for the congregation to hear.