re·qui·em \'rek-wē-em also 'rāk or 'rēk-\ n [ME, fr. L (first word of the
introit of the requiem mass), acc. Of requies rest, fr. re-  +  quies quiet,
rest—more at WHILE]  (14c)     1 : a mass for the dead   2  a : a solemn
chant (as a dirge) for the repose of the dead   b : something that resem-
bles such a solemn chant    3  a : a musical setting of the mass for the
dead    b : a musical composition in honor of the dead

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