spiritual

²spiritual

noun

Definition of SPIRITUAL

1

plural : things of a spiritual, ecclesiastical, or religious nature

2

: a religious song usually of a deeply emotional character that was developed especially among blacks in the southern United States

3

capitalized : any of a party of 13th and 14th century Franciscans advocating strict observance of a rule of poverty for their order

Examples of SPIRITUAL

1. The congregation sang hymns and spirituals.
2. <sang a spiritual at the funeral>

First Known Use of SPIRITUAL

1582

Related to SPIRITUAL

Synonyms: anthem, canticle, carol, chorale, psalm, hymn

Related Words: dirge, lament, requiem, threnody; Gloria Patri, hallelujah, paean; mass, oratorio; processional, recessional

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