Canto
/ˈkæn.toʊ/noun
A principal form of division in poetry, particularly in epic poetry.
Did you know?In medieval times, cantos were often used in the context of narrative songs, linking poetry with the ancient tradition of oral storytelling and music.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kan-
“to sing or make sound”
Latin
Latin
cantare
“to sing; to chant”
Old French
Old French
cant
“a song or a chant”
14th Century
Italian
canto
“a song or a section of a poem”
Modern English
English
canto
“a major division of a long poem”