GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 4 definitions

1.       
   Choir , n. [OE. quer, OF. cuer, F. chœur, fr. L. chorus a choral dance, chorus, choir, fr. Gr. , orig. dancing place; prob. akin to  inclosure, L. hortus garden, and E. yard. See Chorus.]
   A band or organized company of singers, especially in church service. [Formerly written also quire.]
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   That part of a church appropriated to the singers.
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   (Arch.) The chancel.
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   Choir organ (Mus.), one of the three or five distinct organs included in the full organ, each separable from the rest, but all controlled by one performer; a portion of the full organ, complete in itself, and more practicable for ordinary service and in the accompanying of the vocal choir. -- Choir screen, Choir wall (Arch.), a screen or low wall separating the choir from the aisles. -- Choir service, the service of singing performed by the choir.
   T. Warton.
   
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2.       
   Quire , n. See Choir. [Obs.]
   Spenser.
   
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   A quire of such enticing birds.
   Shak.
   
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3.       
   Quire, v. i. To sing in concert. [R.]
   Shak.
   
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4.       
   Quire , n. [OE. quaer, quair, OF. quayer, cayer, caïer, F. cahier, a book of loose sheets, a quarter of a quire, LL. quaternus, quaternum, sheets of paper packed together, properly, four together, fr. L. quaterni four each, by fours, quattuor four. See Four and cf. Cahier.] A collection of twenty-four sheets of paper of the same size and quality, unfolded or having a single fold; one twentieth of a ream.
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