precentor

[pri-sen-ter]

noun

1. a person who leads a church choir or congregation in singing.

precentor

/ ˌpriːsɛnˈtɔːrɪəl, prɪˈsɛntə /

noun

1. a cleric who directs the choral services in a cathedral

2. a person who leads a congregation or choir in the sung parts of church services

Other Word Forms

• precentorial adjective
• precentorship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of precentor¹

1605–15; < Late Latin praecentor leader in music, equivalent to Latin praecen-, variant stem of praecinere to lead in singing ( prae- pre- + -cinere, combining form of canere to sing; canto ) + -tor -tor

Word History and Origins

Origin of precentor¹

C17: from Late Latin praecentor leader of the music, from prae before + canere to sing

Example Sentences

A cathedral precentor who received online abuse for having tattoos has revealed a new inking of a feather to represent God's protection.

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"People always need role models," said Rev Cannon Emma Davies, 55, the cathedral's canon precentor.

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The Reverend Canon Jeremy Davies served as canon precentor at Salisbury Cathedral for 25 years and has taken services at Winchester Cathedral.

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"He did in Gib.; and Addis; and at matins over the precentor."

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To the west is the round choir, a wooden desk for singers and precentors.

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