requiem definition

1. 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)

Origin: 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, and cf. Requin.

(01 Mar 1998)