n. [ L. paean, Gr. paia`n, fr. Paia`n the physician of the gods, later, Apollo. Cf. Pæon, Peony. ] [ Written also pean. ] 1. An ancient Greek hymn in honor of Apollo as a healing deity, and, later, a song addressed to other deities. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Any loud and joyous song; a song of triumph, joy, or praise. Dryden. “Public pæans of congratulation.” De Quincey. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. See Pæon. [ 1913 Webster ]