te deum \te` de"um\ l., from te accus. of tu thou + deum,
   accus. of deus god. see thou, and deity.
   1. an ancient and celebrated christian hymn, of uncertain
      authorship, but often ascribed to st. ambrose; -- so
      called from the first words "te deum laudamus." it forms
      part of the daily matins of the roman catholic breviary,
      and is sung on all occasions of thanksgiving. in its
      english form, commencing with words, "we praise thee, o
      god," it forms a part of the regular morning service of
      the church of england and the protestant episcopal church
      in america.
      1913 webster

   2. a religious service in which the singing of the hymn forms
      a principal part.
      1913 webster

   3. a musical setting of the te deum1.
      webster 1913 suppl.
see also:
thou deity te deum1 

te deum
     n : an ancient liturgical hymn