Litany
/ˈlɪtəni/
Litany is a repeated series of prayers or a monotonous list of items, often used in religious or informal contexts.
Examples
- She had memorized the entire litany before the ceremony.
- Litany was recited at the sunrise service.
- His complaints turned into a litany of grievances.
- The report listed a litany of errors.
- The choir litanyed through the ancient verses.
Meanings
The term entered English in the 14th century via Old French, originally describing a set of prayers used in the early Christian church.
Examples
- Litany was recited at the sunrise service.
- The choir litanyed through the ancient verses.
- We have been reading the litany every evening.
- She had memorized the entire litany before the ceremony.
- During the retreat, participants will recite the litany together.
By the 18th century the word broadened to describe any long, repetitive list, reflecting its original repetitive prayer structure.
Examples
- His complaints turned into a litany of grievances.
- The report listed a litany of errors.
- She was delivering a litany of excuses when I left.
- They had heard that litany before and grew impatient.
- Tomorrow the manager will present a litany of new policies.