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

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

From BBC

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

From BBC

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

From BBC

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

From Literature

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

From Project Gutenberg