I. noun
also quire ˈkwī(ə)r, -īə
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English quer, from Old French cuer, from Medieval Latin chorus body of singers in church, place for singers in church, from Latin, chorus, choral dance — more at chorus
1. : an organized company of singers especially in church service : a choral society : a chorus or a subdivision of a chorus
2. : a group of instruments of the same class (as in an orchestra)
the wood-wind choir
3. : an organized assemblage : a band of persons : a group or rank of things
Illilouette Fall, one of the most beautiful of all the Yosemite choir — John Muir †1914
4. : an order or division of angels
5. : a company of dancers or of dancers and singers
6. : the part of a church appropriated to the singers:
a. : such a part separated from the nave on the one hand and the sanctuary on the other
b. of a large church : the entire section in which the choir (sense a) is situated
7. : choir organ
8. : a group organized for ensemble speaking — compare choral speaking
II. verb
also quire “
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to sing or sound in chorus or concert
what company, in masks, can choir it with the naked wind — Wallace Stevens
III. adjective
Etymology: choir (I)
: specially deputed to community recitation or singing of the divine office — distinguished from lay
choir monks
choir nuns