magnificat

noun

1. (italics) the hymn of the Virgin Mary in Luke, 1:46–55, beginning “My soul doth magnify the Lord,” used as a canticle at evensong or vespers.
2. a musical setting for this.

noun

1. Christianity the hymn of the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:46-55), used as a canticle

n.c.1200, from Latin third person singular of magnificare (see magnificence), from first words of the Virgin’s hymn (Luke i:46, in Vulgate Magnificat anima mea dominum “My soul doth magnify the Lord”) used as a canticle.