Re″qui‐em (r?″kw?–?m;277), n. [Acc. of L. requies rest, the first words of the Mass being “Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine,” give eternal rest to them, O lord; pref. re- re + quies quiet. See Quiet, n., and cf. Requin.] 1. (R. C. Ch.) A mass said or sung for the repose of a departed soul.
We should profane the service of the dead
To sing a requiem and such rest to her
As to peace-parted souls. Shak.
2. Any grand musical composition, performed in honor of a deceased person.
3. Rest; quiet; peace.
Else had I an eternal requiem kept,
And in the arms of peace forever slept. Sandys.