Definition of litany

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< lit.

litas >

lit·a·ny    (ltn-) KEY 

NOUN:
pl. lit·a·nies

1. A liturgical prayer consisting of a series of petitions recited by a leader alternating with fixed responses by the congregation.
2. A repetitive or incantatory recital: "the litany of layoffs in recent months by corporate giants" (Sylvia Nasar).

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English letanie, from Old French, from Medieval Latin letana, from Late Latin litana, from Late Greek litaneia, from Greek, entreaty, from litaneuein, to entreat, from litanos, entreating, from lit, supplication