Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CHANT, v.t. [Fr. chanter; L. canto, cantus; W. açanu; Arm. cana, cannein; It. cantare; Sp. and Port. cantar; L. cano. See Cant.]

1. To sing; to utter a melodious voice; that is, to cant or throw the voice in modulations. The cheerful birds do chant sweet music. – Spenser.
2. To celebrate in song; as, to chant the praises of Jehovah.
3. To sing, as in church service; to repeat words in a kind of canting voice or talking style, between air and recitative.