precentor noun. [prɪ'sɛntǝ] E17.
[French précenteur or Latin praecentor, from praecent- pa. ppl stem of praecinere, from prae- PRE- + canere sing: see -OR.]
A person who leads or directs the singing of a choir or congregation; spec. (a) a cathedral cleric responsible for choral services (in a cathedral of the Old Foundation, a member of the chapter, ranking next below the dean; in one of the New Foundation, a minor canon or chaplain); (b) in a church or chapel in which there is no choir or instrumental accompaniment, a person appointed to lead congregational singing; (c) in a synagogue, a person who leads the prayers of the congregation.

■ precentorship noun the position or office of precentor E19.

■ precentrix noun a female precentor E18.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲