An antiphonary is a type of liturgical book that contains the chants and prayers used in the Divine Office or the Mass. It is a collection of antiphons, responses, and other liturgical texts that are sung or recited during the Mass or other liturgical celebrations. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of antiphonary, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
An antiphonary is a liturgical book containing antiphons and other chants sung by the choir or congregation during the Mass or other liturgical celebrations. It is a type of hymnal or missal used in the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations. Antiphonaries can be large and ornate, with illuminated manuscripts and intricate designs, or they can be simple and plain.
Origin
The word antiphonary comes from the Greek word “antiphonarion,” which means “a book of antiphons.” The use of antiphonaries dates back to the early Christian Church, where they were used in the Divine Office and other liturgical celebrations. The first antiphonaries were handwritten manuscripts, but with the advent of printing, they became more widely available and accessible.
Meaning in different dictionaries
- Merriam-Webster: a book containing a collection of antiphons and other chants used in the liturgy of the Western Church.
- Oxford Dictionary: a book containing the antiphons, responsories, and other chants sung by the choir or congregation during the Mass.
- Cambridge Dictionary: a book containing the chants and prayers used in the Divine Office or the Mass.
Associations
Antiphonaries are associated with the liturgical music of the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations. They are used to facilitate the singing and recitation of the liturgical texts during Mass and other religious services. Antiphonaries are also associated with the history of manuscript illumination and bookmaking, as many of the earliest antiphonaries were highly decorated and ornate.
Synonyms
- Hymnal.
- Missal.
- Liturgical book.
- Chant book.
- Songbook.
Antonyms
- Prosa.
- Ordinary.
- Propers.
- Responsory.
- Gradual.
The same root words
- Antiphonal.
- Antiphony.
- Antiphonalist.
Example Sentences
- The choir director handed out the antiphonary to the singers before the Mass began.
- The illuminated antiphonary from the 12th century is on display at the museum.
- The priest opened the antiphonary to the page for the day’s liturgy.
- The congregation sang the antiphons from the antiphonary during the procession.
- The choir practiced the chants from the antiphonary for the upcoming Easter Mass.