Nunc Dimittis

views updated May 17 2018

Nunc Dimittis. The Song of Simeon in St Luke's Gospel (Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace). It is a part of the service of Compline in the RC Church and of that of Evensong in the Anglican Church. It has its traditional plainsong in the former, and is often sung to an Anglican chant in the latter. It has also been set innumerable times by church composers, usually as an adjunct to a Magnificat.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music MICHAEL KENNEDY and JOYCE BOURNE

Nunc Dimittis

views updated May 23 2018

Nunc Dimittis the Song of Simeon (Luke 2:29–32) used as a canticle in Christian liturgy, especially at compline and evensong. The phrase is Latin, and represents the opening words of the canticle, ‘(Lord), now you let (your servant) depart’. In extended usage, nunc dimittis may now mean departure, dismissal.

The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable ELIZABETH KNOWLES

Nunc dimittis

views updated May 11 2018

Nunc dimittis title of canticle beginning in the Vulg. ‘Nunc dimittis servum tuum …’, Now lettest thou thy servant depart … (Song of Simeon, Luke 2: 29--32) XVI; transf. permission to depart, departure XVII.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD