Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Anthem
An′them
(ăn′thĕm)
, Noun.
[OE.
antym
, antefne
, AS. antefen
, fr. LL. antiphona
, fr. Gr. ἀντίφωνα
, neut. pl. of ἀντίφωνον
antiphon, or anthem, n. neut., from ἀντίφωνοσ
sounding contrary, returning a sound; ἀντί
over against + φωνή
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
.] 1.
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.
An′them
,Verb.
T.
To celebrate with anthems.
[Poet.]
Sweet birds
antheming
the morn. Keats.
Webster 1828 Edition
Anthem
AN'THEM
,Noun.
A hymn sung in alternate parts; but in modern usage, a sacred tune or piece of music set to words, taken from the psalms or other parts of the scriptures, first introduced into church service in Elizabeth's reign.