introit

noun

in·​troit ˈin-ˌtrȯit 

-ˌtrō-ət,

in-ˈtrȯit,

-ˈtrō-ət

1

often capitalized : the first part of the traditional proper of the Mass consisting of an antiphon, verse from a psalm, and the Gloria Patri

2

: a piece of music sung or played at the beginning of a worship service

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin introitus, from Latin, entrance, from introire to go in, from intro- + ire to go — more at issue entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1