[L., so called from its opening words ‘Angelus domini nuntiavit Mariæ.’]

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  1.  A devotional exercise commemorating the mystery of the Incarnation, consisting of versicles and responses, and the Angelic Salutation three times repeated, said by Roman Catholics, at morning, noon, and sunset, at the sound of a bell rung for that purpose.

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1727.  Chambers, Cycl. [Incorrectly explained.]

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1847.  Longf., Ev., I. iv. 127. Sweetly over the village the bell of the angelus sounded.

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1849.  Rock, Ch. of Fathers, III. ix. 340. The ‘Angelus’ did not come into use before the beginning of the XVIth century, and seems to have commenced in France.

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1866.  Neale, Seq. & Hymns, 131. The Angelus at Compline shall sweetly close the day.

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  2.  Short for Angelus-bell.

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1847.  Longf., Ev., I. i. 30. Softly the Angelus sounded.

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1867.  Lady Herbert, Cradle L., iv. 121. When the Angelus summons us … to dwell for a few moments on the mystery of the Incarnation.

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1881.  Susan Coolidge, in Atl. Monthly, XLVII. 176.

        Grazie, Signori, ’t is the set of sun,
The angelus must ring. Addio, each one!

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