versicle
/ˈvɜrsɪkəl/
noun
- A short verse, especially one said or sung by a leader in a religious service and followed by a response from the congregation.
- During the evening prayer, the versicle was followed by a communal response.
- The versicle 'O Lord, open thou our lips' began the morning service.
- The minister intoned a versicle, and the choir answered in harmony.