The Collaborative International Dictionary
Kyrie eleison \Kyr"i*e e*lei"son\n. & interj. [Gr. ky`rie 'elei^son .]
(R. C. Ch.) Greek words, meaning ``Lord, have mercy upon us,'' used in the Mass, the breviary offices, the litany of the saints, etc.
--Addis & Arnold.The name given to the response to the Commandments, in the service of the Church of England and of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
early 13c., Greek liturgical formula, adopted untranslated into the Latin mass, literally "lord have mercy" (Ps. cxxii:3, Matt. xv:22, xvii:15, etc.). From kyrie, vocative of kyrios "lord, master" (see church) + eleeson, aorist imperative of eleo "I have pity on, show mercy to," from eleos "pity, mercy" (see alms).
Usage examples of "kyrie eleison".
Again Morgaine could hear the chanting of the monks-Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison .
Instead of the voice of the deacon, reading the lesson, Alain heard the ring of harness, the clash of swords, the snap of banners in the wind, the sweet strength of the gathered warriors singing a Kyrie eleison as they rode into battle.
Later, over a dinner of corned beef and sangria, Sullivan announced that Richard Spector would henceforth be known as Kyrie Eleison.