ANTHEM


Meaning of ANTHEM in English

n. 1 an elaborate choral composition usu. based on a passage of scripture for (esp. Anglican) church use. 2 a solemn hymn of praise etc., esp. = national anthem. 3 a composition sung antiphonally.

[ OE antefn, antifne f. LL antiphona ANTIPHON ]

Concise Oxford English dictionary.      Краткий оксфордский словарь английского языка.