chant / chant/ • n. 1. a repeated rhythmic phrase, typically one shouted or sung in unison by a crowd. ∎  a monotonous or repetitive song, typically an incantation or part of a ritual.2. Mus. a short musical passage in two or more phrases used for singing unmetrical words; a psalm or canticle sung to such music. ∎  the style of music consisting of such passages: Gregorian chant.• v. [tr.] say or shout repeatedly in a sing-song tone: protesters were chanting slogans. ∎  sing or intone (a psalm, canticle, or sacred text).

chant Unaccompanied liturgical singing, especially of psalms. Anglican chant developed from the earlier Gregorian tones, which were melody formulas defining pitch relationships only. Later, harmonies were added to the melodies and note values designated to English texts of the psalms. The chant is adjustable in length to fit different verses by repeating one note for any number of words, a process known as pointing.

chant. See Anglican Chant. For Gregorian chant see plainsong.

chant sing XIV; sing as to a chant XV. — (O)F. chanter :- L. cantāre, frequent. of canere sing.
Hence chant sb. song XVII; tune to which the psalms, etc. are sung XVIII; cf. (O)F. chant (:- L. cantus).