1911 Encyclopædia Britannica/Precentor

PRECENTOR (Late Lat. praecentor, from praecinere, to sing before, lead in singing), the title of the principal director of the singing or musical portions of the service in a cathedral or cathedral church. In the English Church in cathedrals of the “Old Foundation” the precentor is a member of the cathedral chapter and officially ranks next to the dean. His musical duties are usually performed by the “succentor,” one of the vicars choral. In cathedrals of the “New Foundation” the “precentor” is not a member of the chapter, but is one of the minor canons.