-ntə(r) noun
( -s )
Etymology: Late Latin praecentor leader of music, from Latin praecentus (past participle of praecinere to sing or play before — an audience — , from prae- pre- + -cinere, from canere to sing) + -or — more at chant
1. : a leader of the choir in a cathedral, collegiate, or monastic church
2. : an official in a cathedral church ranking in cathedrals of the Old Foundation next to the dean and charged with various administrative duties ; especially : one responsible for directing the arrangements for divine service
3. : the leader of congregational singing in a church having no choir and often no instrumental accompaniment
4. : cantor 2