Pre*cen"tor (?), n. [L. praecentor, fr. praecinere to sing before; prae before + canere to sing. See Chant.]
A leader of a choir; a directing singer.
Specifically: (a)
The leader of the choir in a cathedral; -- called also the chanter or master of the choir.
Hook. (b)
The leader of the congregational singing in Scottish and other churches.
© Webster 1913.