ˈsubˈchanter
[f. sub- 6 + chanter. Cf. OF. sou(b)chantre, F. sous-chantre.]
A precentor's deputy, succentor; now, a vicar choral or lay-clerk of a cathedral, who assists in chanting the litany.
The title is retained in York and Lichfield cathedrals.
| 1515 in W. Fraser Sutherland Bk. (1892) III. 60 Schir William Nory, subchantour of Murray. 1546 Yks. Chantry Surv. (Surtees) II. 438 Denis Heckylton, subchaunter there. a 1578 Lindesay (Pitscottie) Chron. Scot. I. 200 The..chanter and subchanter witht all kynd of wther offieceis pertaining to ane colledge. 1637 Gillespie Eng. Pop. Cerem. iii. viii. 161 Deanes, Vice-Deans,..Sub-deacons,..Chantours, Sub⁓chantours. 1703 M. Martin Descr. W. Isl. Scot. 362 A Sub-Chanter, who was bound to play on the Organs each Lords Day, and Festivals. 1825 (title) Expository Discourses, by the late Rev. Wm. Richardson, Subchanter of York Cathedral. 1876 J. Grant Burgh Sch. Scot. i. 19 There are four principal persons in that cathedral [sc. Sarum], namely, the dean, chanter, chancellor, treasurer, besides a subdean and subchanter. 1898 Daily News 1 Apr. 7/6 Sub-chanter and priest vicar of Lichfield Cathedral. |
| transf. a 1618 J. Davies Wittes Pilgr. (1878) 52/2 That Holy, Holy, Holy, which They crie That are Sub-chaunters of Heau'ns Hermony. |
Hence
† subˈchantership,
† subˈchantress.
| 14.. Rule Syon Monast. xiii. in Collectanea Topogr. III. (1836) 31 The chauntres and sub-chauntresses, the sexteyne and undersexteyne. 1546 Yks. Chantry Surv. (Surtees) II. 439 For his subchauntershipe, ijs. |