Definition of "hymnody"

hymnody

/ˈhɪm.nə.di/

noun
countable and uncountable, plural hymnodies
1. (uncountable) The writing, composing, or singing of hymns or psalms.
  Quotations
  Primeval Worſhip, Lord, retrieve, / For whoſe Decays the Faithful grieve, / For as thy Temple-Off'rings fall or riſe, / Hymnody chills or fires, Religion lives or dies.
  1721, Thomas Ken, edited by J. Wyat, The Works of the Right Reverend, Learned and Pious, Thomas Ken, D.D.‎, volume IV, Vrania: or, the Spouſe's Garden, page 448
2. (countable) The hymns of a particular church or of a particular time.
  Quotations
  Therefore do we recite this Seraphick Theology delivered to us, that in that cæleſtial Hymnody we may communicate with the Heavenly Hoſt …
  1718, William Gordon, edited by J. Bettenham, An Apology for the Use of the English Liturgy and Worship‎, page 56