|kirēˌāəˈlā(ə)ˌsän, -lās ə n, -lāəsən, in rapid speech ˌkirēəˈl- noun
or kyrie ˈkirēˌā
( plural kyrie eleisons or kyries )
Usage: often capitalized K&E
Etymology: kyrie eleison from Late Latin, from Greek Kyrie eleēson Lord, have mercy; kyrie from New Latin, from Late Latin kyrie eleison
1. : a petitionary invocation (as in the ordinary of the mass and in the breviary) addressed to the Trinity and beginning with the words “kyrie eleison”
2. : either of two Anglican liturgical responses beginning with the words “Lord, have mercy upon us”:
a. : one accompanying the decalogue
b. : one following the summary of the Law