Nunc Dimittis

views updated May 17 2018

Nunc Dimittis. The Song of Simeon in St Luke's Gospel (Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace). It is a part of the service of Compline in the RC Church and of that of Evensong in the Anglican Church. It has its traditional plainsong in the former, and is often sung to an Anglican chant in the latter. It has also been set innumerable times by church composers, usually as an adjunct to a Magnificat.

Nunc Dimittis

views updated May 23 2018

Nunc Dimittis the Song of Simeon (Luke 2:29–32) used as a canticle in Christian liturgy, especially at compline and evensong. The phrase is Latin, and represents the opening words of the canticle, ‘(Lord), now you let (your servant) depart’. In extended usage, nunc dimittis may now mean departure, dismissal.

Nunc dimittis

views updated May 11 2018

Nunc dimittis title of canticle beginning in the Vulg. ‘Nunc dimittis servum tuum …’, Now lettest thou thy servant depart … (Song of Simeon, Luke 2: 29--32) XVI; transf. permission to depart, departure XVII.

Nunc Dimittis

views updated May 11 2018

Nunc Dimittis. The song of the old man Simeon (Luke 2. 29–32). The name comes from the opening words in Latin.