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 (�) (Mus.), the plain ecclesiastical chant in cathedral service; the plain song.