ˈantəfən, ˈaan-, -ˌfän noun
( -s )
Etymology: Late Latin antiphona — more at anthem
1.
a. : a devotional verse sung responsively as a part of a liturgy by two choirs usually by men's voices alternating with boys' or women's voices ; specifically : one of three of the chants of the mass: introit, offertory, and communion
b. : a liturgical verse or series of verses chanted responsively before the psalms or other hymns
2. : response , answer
deputies shrilled a dissenting antiphon — Time