CHANCEL

chancel. Chancel, n. the part of a church between the altar, and the railing inclosing it

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Chan″cel (?), n. [[OF. chancel, F. chanceau, cancel, fr. L. cancelli lattices, crossbars. (The chancel was formerly inclosed with lattices or crossbars) See Cancel, v. t.]] (Arch.) (a) That part of a church, reserved for the use of the clergy, where the altar, or communion table, is placed. Hence, in modern use; (b) All that part of a cruciform church which is beyond the line of the transept farthest from the main front. Chancel aisle (Arch.), the aisle which passes on either side of or around the chancel. — Chancel arch (Arch.), the arch which spans the main opening, leading to the chancel. — Chancel casement, the principal window in a chancel. Tennyson. — Chancel table, the communion table.