plain singing

[PLAIN-SONG.] plain-song, 8. 1. Cantus plan us , the most ancient and simple form of church music, consisting of easy progre ions in one of the church modes, suitable for use by priests or a congregation; it is opposed to cantus figuratus , or figurate-song, containing more ornate progre ions of a later period. When counterpoint was introduced, it was customary to compose parts above or below a portion of ancient plain-song; hence, the term plain-song is often synonymous with canto fermo , or the fixed melody to which counterpoint is added. The term as used in these days includes roughly, ancient chants, inflections, and melodies of the church. Called also Plain-chant and, sometimes, Plain-singing. 2. The simple, plain notes of an air without ornament or variation. 3. A plain, unvarnished statement. "Thy tedious plain - song grates my tender ears." Brewer: Lingua, i. 1. Shakespeare uses the word adjectively for keeping to one note or call; monotonous. "The plain - song cuckoo gray." Shakesp.: Midsummer Night's Dream, iii. 1. plain-speaking, subst. Plainne , openne , or bluntne of speech; candor. plain-spoken, a. Speaking plainly, openly, or bluntly, and without reserve or affectation; blunt. plain-wave, s. Entom.: A British Geometer moth, Acidalia in ornata . plain-work, subst . Plain needlework as dist in guished from embroidery; the common practice of sewing or making linen garments. "She went to plain - work and to purling brooks." Pope: Epistles to Mi Blount, ii. 4. Frankne , candor, openne ; bluntne of speech; freedom from art, disguise, or affectation. "That unsuspected plainne he believed." Dryden Hind and Panther, iii. 928.