plainsong
Americannoun
-
the unisonous vocal music used in the Christian church from the earliest times.
-
modal liturgical music; Gregorian chant.
-
a cantus firmus or theme chosen for contrapuntal development.
-
any simple and unadorned melody or air.
noun
Etymology
Origin of plainsong
1505–15; translation of Medieval Latin cantus plānus
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Unlike the Nora, Aloy’s tribe who traditionally shun technology, the Utaru, the people of Plainsong, revere the machines that roam the earth, and call them land gods.
From Washington Post • Feb. 18, 2022
Eventually she comes across a promising lead that takes her to the land of Plainsong, a place where the governing council conducts public policy through choral singing.
From Washington Post • Feb. 18, 2022
The Canada-born Huston, who writes in both French and English, is the author of more than a dozen novels, including "Plainsong" and "Fault Lines."
From Seattle Times • Dec. 4, 2012
Solemn procession and stripping of the altar with three works by Palestrina; Plainsong, “Anthems at the Footwashing”; and Manchicourt’s “Caro Mea/Hic Est Panis”; David Shuler, music director and organist.
From New York Times • Mar. 25, 2010
To form a catalogue of all Plainsong and Measured Music in England, dating not later than the middle of the sixteenth century.
From St. Gregory and the Gregorian Music by Wyatt, E. G. P.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
