plainsong

Definitions

• (music) A form of monophonic chant in unison using the Gregorian scale, sung in various Christian churches.
• (music) A cantus firmus or theme chosen for contrapuntal treatment; so called because often an actual fragment of plain-song.
• (music) The simple notes of an air, without ornament or variation.
• (by extension) A plain unvarnished statement, without exaggeration.