succentor
Definition
- Noun:
- A deputy or assistant precentor: In ecclesiastical contexts, a "succentor" is a person who acts as a deputy to the precentor, particularly in a cathedral or church choir, often leading the singing or chanting in the precentor's absence.
Usage Examples
- (The assistant choir leader took charge.)
- (A historical role in church music.)
Advanced Usage
- "Succentor's stall": A designated seat in the choir for the succentor, typically opposite the precentor's stall.
- The succentor took his place in the stall to the left of the choir. (The specific seating arrangement in a cathedral.)
Variants and Related Words
- Succentorship (n): the office or position of a succentor.
- He was appointed to the succentorship after years of service in the choir. (The formal role.)
- Precentor (n): the leader of a choir or congregation in singing, to whom the succentor is subordinate.
- The precentor and succentor worked together to coordinate the music. (The superior role.)
Synonyms
- Assistant choir leader: a person who helps lead a choir.
- Deputy cantor: a substitute or assistant for the main cantor (similar role in Jewish or other traditions).
Related Idioms
- To sing in the succentor's shadow: to perform a supporting role in a choir or group (non-idiomatic, but used in historical contexts).
- The young chorister was content to sing in the succentor's shadow. (To take a secondary, supportive position.)