Main Entry:

re·qui·em

Pronunciation:

\ˈre-kwē-əm also ˈrā- or ˈrē-\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from Latin (first word of the introit of the requiem mass), accusative of requies rest, from re- + quies quiet, rest — more at while

Date:

14th century

1: a mass for the dead2 a: a solemn chant (as a dirge) for the repose of the dead b: something that resembles such a solemn chant3 a: a musical setting of the mass for the dead b: a musical composition in honor of the dead