Recessional (Noun)
Meaning 1
A hymn that is sung at the end of a service as the clergy and choir withdraw.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Hypernyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
The withdrawal of the clergy and choir from the chancel to the vestry at the end of a church service.
Classification
Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects.
Examples
- As the final hymn came to a close, the clergy and choir began their recessional out of the chancel.
- During the recessional, the altar servers extinguished the candles on the altar and followed the clergy out of the chancel.
- The recessional was accompanied by the sound of the organ playing a procession-like tune.
- At the conclusion of the service, the priest led the clergy and choir in a stately recessional back to the vestry.
- The bishop's recessional was particularly impressive, with the clergy and choir processing out in elaborate robes.