Definition of: Kyrie eleison

(kir′i·ē i·lā′i·sən) Eccl.
1. An ancient petition used in eucharistie rites and other offices: a In the Greek Church, a response made by the people to prayers said in the liturgy, b In the Roman Catholic Church, a part of a short litany said or chanted immediately after the introit of the mass.
2. In the Anglican Church, a translation of this, said or chanted during the Eucharist.
3. A musical setting for this petition. [<LL <Gk. Kyrie eleēson Lord, have mercy]