Anthem
Anthem (an"them) , noun
[Old English antym, antefne, Anglo-Saxon antefen, from Late Latin antiphona, from Greek 'anti`fwna, neut. plural of 'anti`fwnon antiphon, or anthem, n. neut., from 'anti`fwnos sounding contrary, returning a sound; 'anti` over against + fwnh` sound, voice: the anthem being sung by the choristers alternately, one half-choir answering the other: compare Old French anthaine, anteine, antieune, French antienne. See Antiphon.]
1.
Formerly, a hymn sung in alternate parts, in present usage, a selection from the Psalms, or other parts of the Scriptures or the liturgy, set to sacred music.
2.
A song or hymn of praise or devotion; as, a national anthem. — Milton
Anthem , transitive verb
To celebrate with anthems. [Poet.]
Sweet birds antheming the morn.