Te Deum

te de'um, or Te Deum Laudamus, the first words and title of a Latin hymn of Thanksgiving. The three words mean "We praise thee, O God." The hymn or psalm dates not later than the sixth century, and portions of it, at least, are centuries earlier. The Te Deum is sung at morning prayer in the Roman Catholic and in the English Church; also on occasions of special thanksgiving, It is not considered appropriate during the season of Lent. See Hymn; Stabat Mater