n.1 an answer given in word or act; a reply.
2 a feeling, movement, change, etc., caused by a stimulus or influence.
3 (often in pl.) Eccl. any part of the liturgy said or sung in answer to the priest; a responsory.
4 Bridge a bid made in responding.
Etymology: ME f. OF respons(e) or L responsum neut. past part. of respondere RESPOND