from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Chant \Chant\, n. [F. chant, fr. L. cantus singing, song, fr.
canere to sing. See {Chant}, v. t.]
1. Song; melody.
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2. (Mus.) A short and simple melody, divided into two parts
by double bars, to which unmetrical psalms, etc., are sung
or recited. It is the most ancient form of choral music.
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3. A psalm, etc., arranged for chanting.
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4. Twang; manner of speaking; a canting tone. [R.]
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His strange face, his strange chant. --Macaulay.
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{Ambrosian chant}, See under {Ambrosian}.
{Chant royal} [F.], in old French poetry, a poem containing
five strophes of eleven lines each, and a concluding
stanza. -- each of these six parts ending with a common
refrain.
{Gregorian chant}. See under {Gregorian}.
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