versicle noun. ['vǝ:sɪk(ǝ)l] ME.
[Old & mod. French versicule, or Latin versiculus dim. of versus: see VERSE noun, -CLE.]
1. Christian Church. A short sentence (usu. from the Bible, esp. the Psalms) said or sung antiphonally in a liturgy; esp. one said or sung by the officiant and followed by the response of the congregation. Also (in pl.), a set of these sentences with their accompanying responses. ME.
2. A little verse; spec. (a) a short clause or sentence; = VERSE noun 6; (b) a single metrical line; (c) any of the subdivisions of a Hebrew verse. L15.

■ versicular [vǝ:'sɪkjʊlǝ] adjective of, pertaining to, or consisting of (esp. biblical) versicles or verses E19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲