ETYM Old Eng. antym, antefne, AS. antefen, from Late Lat. antiphona, from Greek antiphona, neut. pl. of antiphonon antiphon, or anthem.
1. A song in honor of a nation or people.
2. Any song or hymn of praise.
In music, a short, usually elaborate, religious choral composition, sometimes accompanied by the organ; also a song of loyalty and devotion.