An"them (ăn"th&ebreve;m), n. [OE.
antym, antefne, AS. antefen, fr. LL. antiphona,
fr. Gr. 'anti`fwna, neut. pl. 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: cf. OF. anthaine,
anteine, antieune, F. 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.
Milton.
An"them, v. t. To celebrate with
anthems. [Poet.]
Sweet birds antheming the morn.
Keats.
