Antiphonary

/ænˈtɪfəˌneri/ noun

Definition

A book containing a collection of antiphons and other chants used in liturgical services, particularly in the Christian church.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin antiphonarium, meaning a collection of antiphons. The suffix -ary indicates 'a place or collection of,' making it the 'storehouse' of antiphons.

Kelly Says

An antiphonary was basically the medieval church's ultimate playlist—fully indexed, hand-illuminated, and so valuable that cathedrals would chain them to lecterns to prevent theft.

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