Chant
/ʃænt/noun
A repeated rhythmic phrase, often sung or recited in a religious or ceremonial context.
Did you know?In medieval times, chants were believed to have magical properties, used to summon divine favor and influence the heavens.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kan-
“to sing or cry out.”
Latin
Latin
cantāre
“to sing, to chant.”
Old French
Old French
chanter
“to sing, to chant.”
Middle English
Middle English
chaunten
“to sing or recite.”
Modern English
English
chant
“a rhythmic formula of words sung or recited.”
Explore more surprising origins