Chant, n. [F. chant, fr. L. cantus singing, song, fr. canere to sing. See Chant, v. t.] 1. Song; melody.
2. (Mus.) A short and simple melody, divided into two parts by double bars, to which unmetrical psalms, etc., are sung or recited. It is the most ancient form of choral music.
3. A psalm, etc., arranged for chanting.
4. Twang; manner of speaking; a canting tone.
His strange face, his strange chant.
Macaulay.
Ambrosian chant, See under Ambrosian. Chant royal, in old French poetry, a poem containing five strophes of eleven lines each, and a concluding stanza. — each of these six parts ending with a common refrain. — Gregorian chant. See under Gregorian.