Chant, also known as plainsong or plainchant, is a type of musical speech often used in religious practice. The word derives from the 13th-century Latin term cantus planus (“plain song”), referring to the unmeasured rhythm and monophony (single line of melody) of Gregorian chant, as distinguished from the measured rhythm of polyphonic (multipart) music, called cantus mensuratus, or cantus figuratus (“measured,” or “figured,” song). Anglican chant, however, is distinguished by its harmonies and more metrical rhythm. Chant also refers to ancient Christian music with the same unmeasured rhythm and monophony as Gregorian chant. In the West, these types include Ambrosian, Gallican, and Mozarabic chants; in the East, they include Byzantine, Syrian, Coptic, Ethiopian, and Armenian chants. Non-Christian religions, such as Judaism and Hinduism, also use chant.
