litany

lit·a·ny

noun \ˈli-tə-nē, ˈlit-nē\

plural lit·a·nies

Definition of LITANY

1

: a prayer consisting of a series of invocations and supplications by the leader with alternate responses by the congregation

2

a : a resonant or repetitive chant <a litany of cheering phrases — Herman Wouk> b : a usually lengthy recitation or enumeration <a familiar litany of complaints> c : a sizable series or set <a litany of problems>

Examples of LITANY

1. He has a litany of grievances against his former employer.
2. The team blamed its losses on a litany of injuries.

Origin of LITANY

Middle English letanie, from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French, from Late Latin litania, from Late Greek litaneia, from Greek, entreaty, from litanos supplicant

First Known Use: 13th century