1. In mediaeval music a composition for voices, defined by form, not function. Its basis was a given, rather than specially composed, set of words and melody. To this were added one or more melodies with other words in counterpoint.
2. Later, a church choral composition to words not found in the liturgy. In the Catholic service, when its words are usually in Latin, it corresponds to the Anglican anthem, the words of which are usually in English.
