Definition of "paean" in English

noun

1. (Ancient Greece, historical) A chant or song, especially a hymn of thanksgiving for deliverance or victory, to Apollo or sometimes another god or goddess; hence any song sung to solicit victory in battle.

2. (by extension) Any loud and joyous song; a song of triumph.

3. (by extension) An enthusiastic expression of praise.

   • Unlike other accounts, Eagles of the RAF is not simply a paean to the pilots as special heroes and "aces," though many performed heroically and some sacrificed their lives.

verb

1. (transitive, rare) To sing a paean; to praise.