Pronunciation: [lˈa͡ɪnd ˈa͡ʊt] (IPA) 
The spelling of "lined out" may seem confusing at first glance, but the IPA phonetic transcription can help clarify it. The word begins with the /l/ sound, followed by the long /aɪ/ sound. Next comes the /n/ sound followed by the short /d/ sound. Finally, the word ends with the /aʊt/ sound. Overall, "lined out" is spelled phonetically to reflect the specific sounds that make up the word.
Lined out is a term that primarily refers to a practice in religious or spiritual settings, particularly within African-American and Southern Baptist traditions. It is a style of hymn singing that involves a prominent leader or singer vocally guiding a congregation or choir by singing solo lines that are then repeated or echoed by the entire group.
The lined out style of singing arose as a result of limited access to written music or hymnals, as well as the importance placed on vocal participation and communal singing. The leader or "lining out" singer would typically use a set of established melodies and lyrics, often with slight variations, and communicate them vocally to the congregation. This practice ensured that the community could actively participate in the worship service, regardless of their literacy levels or familiarity with written music.
Lined out singing often emphasizes call-and-response patterns and encourages strong emotional expression, allowing worshippers to engage deeply with the spiritual content of the songs. The leader's role is vital in setting the pace, rhythm, and tone of the singing, as well as maintaining a sense of togetherness and unity among the participants.
Beyond its religious connotations, "lined out" can also be used metaphorically to describe any situation where a person guides or instructs others by providing clear vocal cues or verbal direction. It's a way of leading a group through a shared experience, ensuring coordination and solidarity amongst the participants.
The word "lined-out" has its etymology rooted in religious music, particularly in the context of hymn-singing and shape-note singing traditions.
In these traditions, "lined-out" refers to a practice where a song leader or preacher audibly sets the pitch and rhythm of a hymn or psalm by singing each line or phrase, and then the congregation or group of singers repeats the same line or phrase together in unison. This style of singing is characterized by the leader audibly "lining out" the song, while the congregation follows along and joins in.
The term "lined-out" likely originated in the mid-17th century, and is derived from the act of "lining" or "lining a hymn". This term, in turn, is a derivative of the Old English word "line" which means "to mark with lines".
