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word of the day

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litany (noun):
1 : a prayer consisting of a series of invocations and supplications by the leader with alternate responses by the congregation
2a : a resonant or repetitive chant
b : a usually lengthy recitation or enumeration
c : a sizable series or set – e.g. a litany of problems

Source : Merriam -Webster

Etymology : Litany came to English through Anglo-French and Late Latin, ultimately from the Greek word litaneia, meaning “entreaty.” Litany refers literally to a type of prayer in which a series of lines are spoken alternately by a leader and a congregation. This use dates to the 13th century. Between that century and the 20th, three figurative senses developed. The chant-like quality of a literal litany led first to a “repetitive chant” sense. Next, the repetitious—and sometimes interminable—nature of the original litany led to a “lengthy recitation” sense. Finally, the “lengthy recitation” sense was extended to refer to any sizable series or set.

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