(italics) the hymn of the Virgin Mary in Luke, 1:46–55, beginning “My soul doth magnify the Lord,” used as a canticle at evensong or vespers.
2.
a musical setting for this.
Origin
1150-1200;Middle English < Latin: (it) magnifies (from the first word of the hymn)
British Dictionary definitions for Magnificat
Magnificat
/mæɡˈnɪfɪˌkæt/
noun
1.
(Christianity) the hymn of the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:46-55), used as a canticle
Word Origin
from the opening phrase in the Latin version, Magnificat anima mea Dominum (my soul doth magnify the Lord)
Word Origin and History for Magnificat
n.
c.1200, from Latin third person singular of magnificare (see magnificence), from first words of the Virgin's hymn (Luke i:46, in Vulgate Magnificat anima mea dominum "My soul doth magnify the Lord") used as a canticle.