Anthem
Charles Buck Theological Dictionary [1]
A church song performed in cathedral service by choristers who sung alternately. It was used to denote both psalms and hymns, when performed in this manner; but, at present, anthem is used in a more confined sense, being applied to certain passages taken out of the scriptures, and adapted to a particular solemnity. Anthems were first introduced in the reformed service of the English church, in the beginning or the reign of queen Elizabeth.
Webster's Dictionary [2]
(1): (n.) 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.
(2): (n.) A song or hymn of praise.
(3): (v. t.) To celebrate with anthems.
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [3]
(from Ἀντί , In Return, and Ὕμνος , a song) , a psalm or hymn, sung in parts alternately, and corresponding to the antiphonal singing of the primitive Church. It was introduced by Ignatius among the Eastern Churches and by Ambrose in the West. In modern times the word is used in a more confined sense, being applied to certain passages, usually taken out of the Scriptures, and adapted to a particular solemnity. Anthems were first introduced in the reformed service of the English Church in the beginning of the reign of Queen Elizabeth.
