Complete Encyclopaedia of Music/A/Acoemetae

by John Weeks Moore

Acoemetae. A certain order of ancient monks, whose principal establishments were among the Eastern nations. Their appellation is derived from the Greek word akoimao, (not to sleep in bed,) because they performed their religious office, (chiefly consisting of singing) both night and day. For this purpose, they divided themselves into three bodies, who vociferized alternately.