n.
- 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.
- Music a short musical passage in two or more phrases used for singing unmetrical words; a psalm or canticle sung to such music.
v.
say or shout repeatedly in a sing-song tone.
▸sing or intone (a psalm, canticle, or sacred text).
Etymology
ME: from OFr. chanter ‘sing’, from L. cantare, frequentative of canere ‘sing’.