response

noun

The act of responding.

noun

A reply or an answer.

noun

A reaction, as that of an organism or a mechanism, to a specific stimulus.

noun

Something that is spoken or sung by a congregation or choir in answer to the officiating minister or priest.

noun

A responsory.

noun

An answer or reply, or something in the nature of an answer or reply.

noun

More specifically— An oracular answer.

noun

In liturgics: A verse, sentence, phrase, or word said or sung by the choir or congregation in sequence or reply to the priest or officiant. Among the most ancient responses besides the responsories (which see) arc Et cum spiritu tuo after the Dominus vobiscum, Habemus ad Dominum after the Sursum Corda, Amen, etc. Sometimes the response is a repetition of something said by the officiant. A verse which has its own response subjoined, the two together often forming one sentence, is called a versicle. In liturgical books the signs and are often prefixed to the versicle and response respectively. Also (formerly) responsal.

noun

A versicle or anthem said or sung during or after a lection; a respond or responsory.