an ancient Latin hymn in rhythmic prose, sung or recited at matins in the Roman Catholic Church and in English translation at morning prayer in the Church of England and used by both Churches as an expression of thanksgiving on special occasions
2.
a musical setting of this hymn
3.
a service of thanksgiving in which the recital of this hymn forms a central part
Word origin
from the Latin canticle beginning Tē Deum laudāmus, literally: Thee, God, we praise
Te Deum in American English
(ti ˈdiəm; teɪ ˈdeɪʊm)
1.
an ancient Christian hymn beginning Te Deum laudamus (We praise thee, O God)
2.
music for this hymn
3.
a service of thanksgiving at which this hymn is used