Requiem \Re"qui*em\ (r?"kw?-?m;277), n. [Acc. of L. requies rest, the first words of the Mass being ``Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine,'' give eternal rest to them, O lord; pref. re- re + quies quiet. See Quiet, n., and cf. Requin.]

1. (R.C.Ch.) A mass said or sung for the repose of a departed soul.

We should profane the service of the dead To sing a requiem and such rest to her As to peace-parted souls. --Shak.

2. Any grand musical composition, performed in honor of a deceased person.

3. Rest; quiet; peace. [Obs.]

Else had I an eternal requiem kept, And in the arms of peace forever slept. --Sandys.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)