Definition of "cantus" [cantus]

• A melody or song, particularly ecclesiastical. (noun)
• The principal voice. (noun)

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• "Consequently, the term cantus is not to be limited to songs which are really sung and set to melodies, but can be applied as well to every religious lyrical poem which can be sung and set to music."
• "The highest category of what he termed the cantus song or composition was the Mass, immediately followed by compositions on other sacred texts, these including the psalm, the Magnificat and the hymn; these genres were separate from the Mass, but were still part of the liturgy."
• "On the other hand the expression cantus in Saint Augustine's definition must be extended."