versicle

noun

ver·​si·​cle ˈvər-si-kəl How to pronounce versicle (audio)
1
: a short verse or sentence (as from a psalm) said or sung by a leader in public worship and followed by a response from the people
2
: a little verse

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Latin versiculus, from versus verse entry 1 + -culus, diminutive suffix

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of versicle was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near versicle

Cite this Entry

“Versicle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/versicle. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!