E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Te Deum, etc.,
is usually ascribed to St. Ambrose, but is probably of a much later date. It is said that St. Ambrose improvised this hymn while baptising St. Augustine. In allusion to this tradition, it is sometimes called “the Ambrosian Hymn.”
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Te Deum (of ecclesiastical architecture) is a “theological series” of carved figures in niches: (1) of angels, (2) of patriarchs and prophets, (3) of apostles and evangelists, (4) of saints and martyrs, (5) of founders. In the restored west front of Salisbury cathedral there is a “Te Deum,” but the whole 123 original figures have been reduced in number.
