Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Paean \P[ae]"an\ (p[=e]`an), n. [L. paean, Gr. paia`n, fr.
   Paia`n the physician of the gods, later, Apollo. Cf.
   {P[ae]on}, {Peony}.] [Written also {pean}.]
   1. An ancient Greek hymn in honor of Apollo as a healing
      deity, and, later, a song addressed to other deities.

   2. Any loud and joyous song; a song of triumph. --Dryden.
      ``Public p[ae]ans of congratulation.'' --De Quincey.

   3. See {P[ae]on}.

Source : WordNet®

paean
     n 1: a formal expression of praise [syn: {encomium}, {eulogy}, {panegyric},
           {pean}]
     2: (ancient Greece) a hymn of praise (especially one sung in
        ancient Greece to invoke or thank a deity) [syn: {pean}]