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precentor

noun
pre·​cen·​tor | \ pri-ˈsen-tər How to pronounce precentor (audio) \

Definition of precentor

: a leader of the singing of a choir or congregation
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Other Words from precentor

precentorial \ ˌprē-​ˌsen-​ˈtȯr-​ē-​əl How to pronounce precentorial (audio) \ adjective
precentorship \ pri-​ˈsen-​tər-​ˌship How to pronounce precentorship (audio) \ noun

Did You Know?

The history of "precentor" leads to the Latin verb praecinere, meaning "to lead in singing," which was formed by adding the "prae-" prefix to the verb "canere" ("to sing"). "Canere" is also an ancestor of the English word chant, as well as the source of the Latin noun cantor, which was also borrowed into English and is used both as a synonym of "precentor" and for an individual in a synagogue who sings or chants the liturgical music and leads the congregation in prayer.

First Known Use of precentor

1516, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for precentor

Latin praecentor, from praecinere to lead in singing, from prae- + canere to sing — more at chant

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