Motet

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Motet \Mo*tet"\, n. [F., a dim. of mot word; cf. It. mottetto,
     dim. of motto word, device. See {Mot}, {Motto}.] (Mus.)
     A composition adapted to sacred words in the elaborate
     polyphonic church style; an anthem.
     [1913 Webster]



From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  motet
       n : an unaccompanied choral composition with sacred lyrics;
           intended to be sung as part of a church service;
           originated in the 13th century