■ noun
1》 a repeated rhythmic phrase, typically one shouted or sung in unison by a crowd.
2》 a monotonous or repetitive song, typically an incantation or part of a ritual.
3》 Music a short musical passage in two or more phrases used for singing unmetrical words; a psalm or canticle sung to such music.
■ verb say or shout repeatedly in a sing-song tone.
↘sing or intone (a psalm, canticle, or sacred text).
Origin
ME: from OFr. ~er 'sing', from L. cantare , frequentative of canere 'sing'.