'precentor' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'praecentor', where 'prae-' meant 'before' and 'cantor' meant 'singer'.

'praecentor' transformed into the Old French word 'precentour', and eventually became the modern English word 'precentor'.

Initially, it meant 'a leader of singing', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.