litany etymology

Etymology:

  • Late Middle English (late 14th century): via Anglo-Norman French litanie, from Late Latin litania, from Ancient Greek λιτή (litē, “prayer, supplication”).

Meaning:

  • A long, formal prayer recited in a church or other religious setting, typically consisting of a series of invocations or petitions.

Origin:

  • The word "litany" originates from the Greek word "litē," which means "prayer" or "supplication." In ancient Greece, litanies were commonly used in religious ceremonies and public processions. They were often addressed to specific gods or goddesses and included a series of petitions or requests for favor, protection, or guidance.

  • The use of litanies in Christian worship can be traced back to the early centuries of the church. The first known Christian litany is the "Litany of Jairus," which dates back to the 3rd century AD.

  • Over time, litanies became an established part of Christian liturgy and were used in various contexts, including prayer services, processions, and other devotional practices. The Roman Catholic Church has a number of official litanies, including the "Litany of the Saints," the "Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary," and the "Litany of Loreto."

  • Litanies are still commonly used in Christian worship today and can be found in various denominations and traditions. They continue to serve as a way for believers to offer their prayers, petitions, and intercessions to God and the saints.

litany relate terms

  • address

    Etymology The word address derives from the Old French word adrecier which in turn

  • speech

    Etymology The word speech derives from the Old English word spræc or spræce whic

  • lite

    Etymology derived from the Greek word lithos meaning stone Meaning noun a smal

  • oracle

    Etymology The word oracle derives from the Latin term oraculum which in turn comes f

  • opinion

    Etymology The word opinion originates from the Latin word opinio which means belief

  • evil

    Etymology The word evil is derived from the Old English word yfel which in turn is d

  • period

    Etymology The word period comes from the Middle English word periode which itself

  • holy

    Etymology The word holy originates from the Old English word hālġ which means sac

  • onion

    Etymology The word onion comes from the Latin word unio which means unity or onen