Cantoris

/kænˈtɔːrɪs/ noun

Definition

In liturgical music, the right side of a church choir where the cantor traditionally sits.

Etymology

From Latin 'cantoris,' the genitive form of 'cantor' meaning 'of the singer.' In Latin, this case was used to show possession, so 'cantoris' literally means 'of the cantor's side' in church architecture and musical arrangement.

Kelly Says

Church choirs are literally split in half—one side is 'cantoris' (cantor's side) and the opposite is 'decani' (dean's side), and they sing back-and-forth to each other like a musical conversation!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.