ETYM Old Eng. letanie, Old Fren. letanie, French litanie, Latin litania, Greek litaneia, from litaneyein to pray, akin to litesthai, lissesthai, to pray, lith prayer.
A prayer consisting of a series of invocations by the priest with responses from the congregation.
Prayer of supplication in responsive style.
In the Christian church, a form of prayer or supplication led by a priest with set responses by the congregation. It was introduced in the 4th century.
Any long and tedious address or recital.