An″them (ăn″thĕm), n. [OE. antym, antefne, AS. antefen, fr. LL. antiphona, fr. Gr. αντἴφωνα, neut. pl. of αντἴφωνον antiphon, or anthem, n. neut., from αντἴφωνοσ sounding contrary, returning a sound; αντἴ over against + φωνή 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.