/an"theuhm/ , n.
1. a song, as of praise, devotion, or patriotism: the national anthem of Spain; our college anthem.
2. a piece of sacred vocal music, usually with words taken from the Scriptures.
3. a hymn sung alternately by different sections of a choir or congregation.
v.t.
4. to celebrate with or in an anthem.
[ bef. 1000; ME antem, OE antemn ( e ), antefne antefana, antiphona (fem. sing.) antíphona (see ANTIPHON); sp. with h prob. by assoc. with HYMN, with pron. then changed to reflect sp. ]