An acclamation of praise and adoration to God. It comes from the Greek word hosanna, which serves as a translation for the Hebrew phrase meaining "save now, we pray." Its usage in the church is as an expression of enthusiastic praise, especially on Palm Sunday, as in Mark 11:9, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
Source: A Dictionary for United Methodists, Alan K. Waltz, Copyright 1991, Abingdon Press. Used by permission.
