plainsong means A form of monophonic chant in unison using the Gregorian scale, sung in various Christian churches. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 83 out of 100.
Why “plainsong” is a great word
Plainsong is a monophonic, unaccompanied sacred chant, particularly associated with the Gregorian tradition. From plain (meaning 'simple, unadorned') + song, a calque of Medieval Latin *cantus planus* ('plain chant'), first attested in English 1505–15. Unlike polyphony, with its intricate tapestry of interwoven voices, or a chorale, with its stately, harmonized meter, plainsong is a solitary, unadorned vocal line flowing in the free rhythm of liturgical prose. It is the austere echo in a cold stone nave, the clean line of a monk's quill on vellum, and a single human voice tracing an unwavering path through silence—the sound of faith stripped to its barest, most elemental thread.
Etymology
From plain + song, calque of Latin cantus planus.
noun
- A form of monophonic chant in unison using the Gregorian scale, sung in various Christian churches.
- A cantus firmus or theme chosen for contrapuntal treatment; so called because often an actual fragment of plain-song.
- The simple notes of an air, without ornament or variation.
- A plain unvarnished statement, without exaggeration.