te deum

noun

1. (italics) an ancient Latin hymn of praise to God, in the form of a psalm, sung regularly at matins in the Roman Catholic Church and, usually, in an English translation, at Morning Prayer in the Anglican Church, as well as on special occasions as a service of thanksgiving.
2. a musical setting of this hymn.
3. a service of thanksgiving in which this hymn forms a prominent part.

noun

1. an ancient Latin hymn in rhythmic prose, sung or recited at matins in the Roman Catholic Church and in English translation at morning prayer in the Church of England and used by both Churches as an expression of thanksgiving on special occasions
2. a musical setting of this hymn
3. a service of thanksgiving in which the recital of this hymn forms a central part

early 12c., from Late Latin Te Deum laudamus “Thee God we praise,” first words of the ancient Latin hymn. A hymn of praise to God, containing many passages from the Bible (see also Bible), that is used in the Anglican Communion, the Lutheran Church, and the Roman Catholic Church as part of morning prayers on festive occasions. It begins, “Te Deum laudamus,” meaning, “We praise thee, O God.” A hymn of praise to God, with words taken largely from the Bible (see also Bible), that is used by many groups of Christians (see also Christian). The “Te Deum” has been set to music by George Frederick Handel and by many other composers for performance in worship services of thanksgiving (after a victory in war, for example). The Latin words Te Deum laudamus mean “Thee, God, we praise.”