versicle

noun

ver·​si·​cle ˈvər-si-kəl 

1

: a short verse or sentence (as from a psalm) said or sung by a leader in public worship and followed by a response from the people

2

: a little verse

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Latin versiculus, from versus verse entry 1 + -culus, diminutive suffix

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1