motet Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an unaccompanied choral composition with sacred lyrics; intended to be sung as part of a church service; originated in the 13th century

WordNet

Mo*tet" noun
Etymology
F., a dim. of mot word; cf. It. mottetto, dim. of motto word, device. See Mot, Motto.
Definitions
  1. (Mus.) A composition adapted to sacred words in the elaborate polyphonic church style; an anthem.

Webster 1913