canticle

noun

1. one of the nonmetrical hymns or chants, chiefly from the Bible, used in church services.
2. a song, poem, or hymn especially of praise.

noun

1. a nonmetrical hymn, derived from the Bible and used in the liturgy of certain Christian churches
2. a song, poem, or hymn, esp one that is religious in character

n.

“short hymn,” early 13c., from Latin canticulum “a little song,” diminutive of canticum “song” (also a scene in Roman comedy enacted by one person and accompanied by music and dancing), from cantus (see chant (v.)).