te deum Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an ancient liturgical hymn

WordNet

Te` De"um
Etymology
L., from te (accus. of tu thou) + Deum, accus. of Deus God. See Thou, and Deity.
Definitions
  1. An ancient and celebrated Christian hymn, of uncertain authorship, but often ascribed to St. Ambrose; -- so called from the first words "Te Deum laudamus." It forms part of the daily matins of the Roman Catholic breviary, and is sung on all occasions of thanksgiving. In its English form, commencing with words, "We praise thee, O God," it forms a part of the regular morning service of the Church of England and the Protestant Episcopal Church in America.
  2. A religious service in which the singing of the hymn forms a principal part.

Webster 1913