Chancel

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈtʃɑːnsÉ™l/
• US IPA: /ˈtʃænsÉ™l/

Alternative forms

• chauncel archaic

Origin

From Old French.

Full definition of chancel

Noun

1. The space around the altar in a church, often enclosed, for use by the clergy and the choir. In medieval cathedrals the chancel was usually enclosed or blocked off from the nave by an altar screen.
• 1907, w, The Dust of Conflict Chapter 20, Hester Earle and Violet Wayne were moving about the aisle with bundles of wheat-ears and streamers of ivy, for the harvest thanksgiving was shortly to be celebrated, while the vicar stood waiting for their directions on the chancel steps with a great handful of crimson gladioli.

Synonyms

• apse