a song in praise of the Virgin used in the evening service of the Roman Catholic, the Lutheran, and Anglican churches. Its name Magnificat it obtained from its first words in the Vulgate, "My soul doth magnify the Lord," etc. It was introduced into the public worship of the Church about the year 506. In the 6th century it was chanted in the French churches. In the English Church it is to be said or sung after the first, lesson, at every prayer, unless the 98th Psalm, called "Cantate Domino," is sung. — Farrar, Eccles. Dict. s.v.; Eadie, Eccles. Cyclop. s.v.