[an.them] n [ME antem, fr. OE antefn, fr. LL antiphona, fr. LGk antiphona, pl. of antiphonon, fr. Gk, neut. of antiphonos responsive, fr. anti- + phone sound--more at ban] (bef. 12c) 1 a: a psalm or hymn sung antiphonally or responsively b: a sacred vocal composition with words usu. from the Scriptures
2: a song or hymn of praise or gladness