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

Derived Forms

• precentorial, adjective
• preˈcentorˌship, noun

Other Words From

• pre·cen·to·ri·al [pree-sen-, tawr, -ee-, uh, l, -, tohr, -], adjective
• pre·centor·ship 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

The most uncanny thing about the kirk was the precentor's box beneath the pulpit.

From Project Gutenberg

At the age of eighteen Frey became a teacher and a precentor in small congregations.

From Project Gutenberg

Before beginning his trial sermon he handed down the big Bible to the precentor, to give his arms free swing.

From Project Gutenberg

However, I have always been of opinion that the thought of the precentor in his box gave Cree a fleeting sense of humor.

From Project Gutenberg

The Precentor: Argent, on a saltire azure a fleur-de-lis or.

From Project Gutenberg