[f. SUB- 6 + CHANTER. Cf. OF. sou(b)chantre, F. sous-chantre.] A precentor’s deputy, succentor; now, a vicar choral or lay-clerk of a cathedral, who assists in chanting the litany.

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  The title is retained in York and Lichfield cathedrals.

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1515.  in W. Fraser, Sutherland Bk. (1892), III. 60. Schir William Nory, subchantour of Murray.

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1546.  Yks. Chantry Surv. (Surtees), II. 438. Denis Heckylton, subchaunter there.

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a. 1578.  Lindesay (Pitscottie), Chron. Scot., I. 200. The … chanter and subchanter witht all kynd of wther offieceis pertaining to ane colledge.

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1637.  Gillespie, Eng.-Pop. Cerem., III. viii. 161. Deanes, Vice-Deans,… Sub-deacons,… Chantours, Sub-chantours.

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1703.  M. Martin, Descr. W. Isl. Scot., 362. A Sub-Chanter, who was bound to play on the Organs each Lords Day, and Festivals.

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1825.  (title) Expository Discourses, by the late Rev. Wm. Richardson, Subchanter of York Cathedral.

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1876.  J. Grant, Burgh Sch. Scot., I. 19. There are four principal persons in that cathedral [sc. Sarum], namely, the dean, chanter, chancellor, treasurer, besides a subdean and subchanter.

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1898.  Daily News, 1 April, 7/6. Sub-chanter and priest vicar of Lichfield Cathedral.

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  transf.  a. 1618.  J. Davies, Wittes Pilgr. (1878), 52/2. That Holy, Holy, Holy, which They crie That are Sub-chaunters of Heau’ns Hermony.

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  Hence † Subchantership, † Subchantress.

12

14[?].  Rule Syon Monast., xiii. in Collectanea Topogr., III. (1836), 31. The chauntres and sub-chauntresses, the sexteyne and undersexteyne.

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1546.  Yks. Chantry Surv. (Surtees), II. 439. For his subchauntershipe, ijs.

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