requiem

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a Christian Mass or other service for the repose of the dead

   The cathedral held a requiem for the victims of the disaster.

2. 2
   noun

   a musical composition, song, or other work that mourns or commemorates the dead

   The composer dedicated the requiem to friends lost during the war.

From Latin requiem, 'rest,' the opening word of the traditional introit Requiem aeternam dona eis, 'Grant them eternal rest.' The word passed through Middle English from the name of the Mass for the dead to musical settings and other commemorative works.

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