antiphony, antiphon, antipho na

[In Ger. antiphonie; Ital. antifona; Gr. ἀντιφωνέω ( anti phoneō ) = to sound in answer: ἀντί ( anti ) = against, and φωνέω (phoneo) = to sound; φωνή ( phone ) = a sound.] 1. Opposition or contrariety of sound. "True it is that the harmony of music, whether it be in song or instrument, hath symphony by anti phony (that is to say), the accord ariseth from discord. and of contrary notes is composed a sweet tune."Holland: Plutarch , p. 186. ( Richardson .) 2. The alternate chanting or singing in a cathedral, or similar service by the choir, divided into two parts for the purpose, and usually sitting upon opposite sides. It is sometimes used also when the parts are repeated instead of sung. Antiphony differs from symphony, for in the latter case the whole choir sing the same part. It also differs from responsorium, in which the verse is spoken or sung by only one person instead of many. "In antiphons thus tune we female plaints."