Can"to (?), n.; pl. Cantos (#). [It. canto, fr. L. cantus singing, song. See Chant.]

1.

One of the chief divisions of a long poem; a book.

2. Mus.

The highest vocal part; the air or melody in choral music; anciently the tenor, now the soprano.

Canto fermo () [It.] Mus., the plain ecclesiastical chant in cathedral service; the plain song.

 

© Webster 1913.

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