(from ἀντί , in return, and ὕμνος, a song), a psalm or hymn, sung in parts alternately, and corresponding to the antiphonal singing of the primitive Church. It was introduced by Ignatius among the Eastern Churches and by Ambrose in the West. In modern times the word is used in a more confined sense, being applied to certain passages, usually taken out of the Scriptures, and adapted to a particular solemnity. Anthems were first introduced in the reformed service of the English Church in the beginning of the reign of Queen Elizabeth.